In the 56-game NHL season starting Thursday for the Rangers, a quick start will be of the utmost importance.
Despite having started seasons in the past, Pavel Buchnevich intends to play a big role in it.
“I always have a slow start, an up-and-down time,” Buchnevich said Sunday night after the team held a three-year intrasquad investigation. “I just want to finish right away.”
If there is any indication of the performance of the Rangers training camp wing, he may be ready to continue where he left off last season when he played some of the strongest hockey of his career.
“The man who stands out for all of us is Buchnevich,” coach David Quinn said. “It was clear he had a good second half last year. This is the best camp he’s had since I was here. I loved the way he played in the scrimmage [Thursday] night, I just like how he’s doing. He and I have had long conversations about what his abilities are, and we certainly know what he can do. I’m excited about the fact that he seems to have a chance to exploit his potential for a full season, versus just half. ”
Buchnevich, who hampered sharply again on Sunday, ended the regular season last year with 10 goals and 14 shots over his last 28 games after starting the season with six goals and 16 goals in his first 40 games. He thrives on the top line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider and picks up the slack late when Kreider goes down with a broken foot.
The line was skating together in training camp for the first time on Sunday before the end, as Zibanejad is working back from a delayed start, but the trio will stay together to open this season, which is an extra comfort offers for Buchnevich.
“I probably played half of my career in the NHL with these two guys,” Buchnevich said. “We had fun together. We just have to work hard for each other. [We were] click at the end of the regular season before closing. I think we will go well. Just need to get started right away, not wait like 40 games. ‘
While Quinn has appointed Buchnevich as a player who can take his game to the next level this season, the 25-year-old Russian has said he is less focused on points and more focused on where the team can go.
“I just want my team to make the playoffs,” Buchnevich said. “I do not [care about] the points or those things, lately I just want to help my team win the games and make the playoffs. That’s it. “
Buchnevich, who is entering the final year of his contract, attributed his boom in the late season last year to being prepared for every game and better understanding his body. He showed signs that he continued that strong game in training camp, and even tried to kill his penalty during Sunday’s argument and “did a really good job,” Quinn said.
“He’s getting better and better,” Quinn said. “He keeps growing. … I actually just like his attitude and his approach to training camp. ‘