In the 56-game NHL season that starts on Thursday for the Rangers, quick starts will be essential.
Pavel Buchnevich, despite having started seasons in the past, has plans to play an important role in this.
“I always have a slow start, a time of ups and downs,” said Buchnevich on Sunday night, after the team held an uneasy three-period friendly. “I just want to get ready right away.”
If the performance of the Rangers winger on the training ground is an indication, he may be ready to resume where he left off last season, when he played one of the strongest hockey of his career.
“The guy who is drawing everyone’s attention is Buchnevich,” said coach David Quinn. “Obviously, he had a very good second semester last year. This is the best camp he has had since I got here. I loved the way he played on scrimmage [Thursday] night, I just love the way things are going for him. He and I had long conversations about what his skills are and we certainly know what he is capable of. I’m excited about the fact that it looks like he has a chance to maximize his potential for a full season, instead of just half. “
Buchnevich, who had another tough fight on Sunday, ended the regular season last year with 10 goals and 14 assists in his 28 final games, after starting the season with six goals and 16 assists in his first 40 games. He thrived on the top row alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider and regained his slack late when Kreider fell with a broken foot.
That line was joined for the first time on Sunday’s training ground for a morning skate before scrimmage, while Zibanejad was recovering from a late start, but the trio should stay together to open this season, which provides additional comfort for Buchnevich.
“I probably played half my career in the NHL with these two guys,” said Buchnevich. “We have fun together. We just have to work hard for each other. [We were] clicking at the end of the regular season before the close. I think we’ll be fine. I just need to go now, don’t expect about 40 games. “
While Quinn called Buchnevich a player who could take his game to the next level this season, the 25-year-old Russian said he was less focused on points and more focused on where the team could go.
“I just want my team to make it to the playoffs,” said Buchnevich. “I do not [care about] the points or things, lately I just want to help my team win the games and reach the playoffs. That’s it.”
Buchnevich, who is entering the last year of his contract, attributed his discharge at the end of the season last year to being prepared for each game and better understanding his body. He has shown signs of continuing to play hard on the training ground, even trying to hit the penalty during Sunday’s game and doing “a very good job,” said Quinn.
“He keeps getting better and better,” said Quinn. “It keeps growing. … I really like your attitude and your approach to the training ground. “