NHL

Del Zotto expects short stay with Rangers

WASHINGTON — The recall was by necessity rather than on merit, as coach John Tortorella confirmed yesterday morning, but that can’t change Michael Del Zotto’s perspective on what he needs to do in order to force his way back onto the Rangers’ roster on a permanent basis instead of as a temporary fill-in for the injured Dan Girardi.

“I’m going to work hard as long as I’m here and not worry about what’s out of my control,” said Del Zotto, sent to the AHL Whale on Jan. 3 and summoned Saturday night when Girardi suffered rib cage muscle damage in Atlanta. “I don’t know how long I’m going to be here.”

With the Rangers entering the All-Star break following tonight’s Garden match against the Panthers, chances are Del Zotto will be returning to Connecticut tomorrow. But the 20-year-old was in the lineup here last night against the Capitals, and could well be in tonight if Girardi’s health doesn’t improve dramatically.

So Del Zotto at least has the chance to make an impression on management — more than he was able to make in eight AHL games, during which he recorded seven assists and an even plus-minus rating.

“To be honest, I’d rather he still be playing there, but in the situation we’re in, he’s the guy,” Tortorella said following the morning skate. “The reports I’ve gotten, he’s been good sometimes and bad sometimes; a little inconsistent.

“We’ll see.”

Del Zotto, who played all last year with the Rangers as a 19-year-old rookie out of junior hockey, seemed at peace with his current fate. Management believes the offensively gifted defenseman must improve his attention to detail and preparation every bit as much as he must learn patience on the ice.

“The most important thing for me is to make the most of [my time in the AHL] and play my game to the best of my ability to earn my way back up,” said Del Zotto. “I’ve been playing about 30 minutes a night, in all situations, and I’m starting to get confident and comfortable with my game again.

“It’s a lot different down there. My first game came after a 10-hour bus trip. There’s a lot to get used to mentally. You have to get geared up to play in front of 3,000 fans, but that’s all part of it.

“As far as the hockey, I’ve been working on my defensive game and letting the game come to me. I have to simplify my game and not force it. You’re not going to always make something happen.”

Del Zotto had nine points (2-7) and a minus-one rating in 35 games with the Rangers, but he was scratched in four of his final five games on the roster before trading places with Ryan McDonagh.

“I’ve learned a little bit about myself, which I’ll keep private, but maybe it was best for me,” Del Zotto said. “I’ve gotten back to basics.

“I’m just going to do my best with this opportunity.”

*

Girardi, who had played 330 consecutive regular-season games since his NHL debut with the Blueshirts on Jan. 27, 2007, participated in the morning skate but was immediately ruled out by Tortorella after a consultation with trainer Jim Ramsay.

“I don’t think he’ll get through the game,” the coach said. “I don’t want to be shorthanded after the first 10 minutes or prolong it.”

larry.brooks@nypost.com