New York Rangers’ Top five goals of the 2016-2017 season

1) Pavel Buchnevich vs. Winnipeg

Coming into the NHL as a young player who barely spoke any English and needed to adapt to the North American game, Pavel Buchnevich nonetheless had hefty expectations on his shoulders. Despite being the victim of a back injury and Alain Vigneault’s questionable lineup decisions, Buchnevich still impressed.

After a slow start, Buchnevich finally scored his first goal early in November against the Boston Bruins. That goal led to a four-game scoring streak before his back injury took him out of the lineup.

But it was his second goal, and first at Madison Square Garden, that was the best Rangers goal of the season.

The Rangers won a neutral zone faceoff before Adam Clendening (Oh, sorry, he doesn’t exist anymore) some random defenseman, probably Dan Girardi, started a clean breakout. Buchnevich corralled Brandon Pirri’s pass off of his skate before abusing the Jets’ defense.

This goal had a little bit of everything: a nice, clean breakout; some filthy mitts to undress a defenseman; core strength and balance to fight through a check; and patience to out-wait the goaltender and score top shelf.

Next: Rangers 2017 Entry Draft preview

Buchnevich is obviously talented, but few players league-wide can score goals like that. His future is bright in New York, especially if he gets the opportunities and ice time he deserves next season.