New York Rangers Report Cards Round Two: The New Forwards

Dec 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Rangers left wing Matt Puempel (12) celebrates after scoring his third goal of the game for a hat trick during the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich (89) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. New York defeated Toronto 5-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Pavel Buchnevich

Previous Grade: B+

Buchnevich returned from injury in mid-January and has seen his spot in the lineup change several times. Three times in his first five games after returning to the lineup, Buchnevich saw over 17 minutes of ice time.

Since then, his minutes have declined on a consistent basis. So much so that he is averaging just over 10:30 per game in the 11 games since playing 17:04 minutes against Detroit on January 22nd. He was even benched on February 23rd against the Maple Leafs.

The dip in ice time has created an expected drop in production for Buchnevich. He has two goals and five assists in his 16 games after recording four goals and four assists in 10 games prior to his injury.

However, he continues to be one of the Rangers’ most dangerous offensive threats when he is on the ice. With chemistry growing alongside Jesper Fast and Oscar Lindberg, their line could pay dividends in the playoffs given the ice time.

New Grade: B-

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