In the 56-game NHL season starting Thursday for the Rangers, fast starts are essential.
Despite how he started seasons in the past, Pavel Buchnevich has plans to play a big part in that.
“I always have a slow start, an up-and-down time,” Buchnevich said Sunday night after the team held a three-bout intrasquad scrimmage. “I just want to get ready right away.”
If the Rangers winger’s training camp performance is any indication, he may be ready to pick up where he left off last season, playing one of the strongest hockey sports of his career.
“The man who stands out for all of us is Buchnevich,” said coach David Quinn. “It is clear that he had a very good second half last year. This is the best camp he’s had since I’ve been here. I liked the way he played in the scrimmage [Thursday] night, I just love the way he is doing. He and I have had long talks about what his capabilities are and we know for sure what he is capable of. I’m thrilled that it looks like he’s getting the chance to maximize his potential for a full season instead of just half. “
Buchnevich, who again had a sharp scrimmage on Sunday, finished the regular season last year with 10 goals and 14 assists in his last 28 games, after starting the season with six goals and 16 assists in his first 40 games. He thrived on the top line next to Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, and picked up on the slack late when Kreider went down with a broken foot.
That line was together for the first time on Sunday in training camp for a morning skate for the scrimmage, as Zibanejad worked his way back from a delayed start, but the trio will stick together this season to open, providing added comfort for Buchnevich.
“I’ve played probably half of my NHL career with these two guys,” said Buchnevich. “We have fun together. We just have to work hard for each other. [We were] clicks at the end of the regular season before closing. I think it will be fine. You just have to get started right away, don’t wait for 40 games. “
While Quinn mentioned Buchnevich as a player who could take his game to the next level this season, the 25-year-old Russian said he is less focused on points and more focused on where the team can go.
“I just want my team to make it to the playoffs,” said Buchnevich. “Not me [care about] the points or that stuff, lately I just want to help my team win the games and make it to the playoffs. That is it.”
Buchnevich, who is entering the final year of his contract, attributed his sharp rise at the end of the season last year to being prepared for every game and understanding his body better. He has shown signs that he is continuing that strong play in training camp, even during Sunday’s scrimmage he tried to kill the penalty and did “a really good job,” Quinn said.
“He just keeps getting better and better,” said Quinn. ‘He continues to grow. … I really like his attitude and his approach to training camp. “