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New York Rangers stock market: Risers and fallers 2/25-3/2

By Victoria Ranieri

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: New York Rangers Center Vladislav Namestnikov (90) is congratulated after scoring a goal during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on February 28, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.(Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 28: New York Rangers Center Vladislav Namestnikov (90) is congratulated after scoring a goal during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on February 28, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.(Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 20: Pavel Buchnevich
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 20: Pavel Buchnevich /

Down: Pavel Buchnevich

Pavel Buchnevich is a “down” through no real fault of his own.

Pavel Buchnevich has all of the tools to become an elite player in the NHL. He has the speed, he certainly has the skill, and he has the hockey sense. How can a player with this lethal combination of skill be struggling?

Unlike Jimmy Vesey, I seriously do not believe Buchnevich’s problems stem from a sophomore slump. I am nearly 100% certain that his struggles are caused by Alain Vigneault’s constant misuse of his abilities.

It is widely known that Buchnevich plays his best when playing on the KZB line which consists of teammates Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. However, even when in desperate need of offense, Vigneault frequently broke up his top scoring line. When Kreider was out with injury, he still seperated Buchnevich from Zibanejad. Instead, he would leave them together for minimal amounts of time and would break them up the second Buchnevich made a mistake. Vigneault isn’t “developing” Buchnevich, he is setting him up for utter failure because he simply does not want him on the top line.

In spite of his utter misuse, Pavel Buchnevich is second on the team in points with 35, behind Mats Zuccarello who has 43. Imagine how many points he would be able to put up if he had a coach who would actually develop his skills? It is extremely unfair to leave Buchnevich hung out to dry on the fourth line. Hopefully, by next season and with a new coach, Buchnevich will be allowed to fully blossom as a player.

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