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New York Rangers: Kreider tug-of-war, other takeaways from triumph over Leafs

By Andrew Steele-Davis

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 05: The New York Rangers celebrate a first period goal by Chris Kreider #20 against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on February 5, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 05: The New York Rangers celebrate a first period goal by Chris Kreider #20 against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on February 5, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 05: Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers reacts after scoring a goal in the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on February 5, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 05: Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers reacts after scoring a goal in the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on February 5, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Buchnevich’s Redemption

As I mentioned in another piece that was published today, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Pavel Buchnevich ended up on the trade block given that he can’t seem to avoid enduring regular trips to the Quinn Bin.

Buchnevich once again found himself in the bad books of Head Coach David Quinn recently, banished to the Quinn Bin during the 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Monday.

Quinn made a point of twice saying that he didn’t like Buchnevich’s game at all, with the Russian seemingly a glutton for punishment.

As a result, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Rangers cut their losses and looked to find a suitable trade partner for their hot-and-cold forward.

However, for now at least, Buchnevich salvaged himself a slice of redemption on Wednesday after rising to the occasion against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The wing finished with a three-point night (one goal, two assists) and formed one part of the best line on the ice.

Lining up with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, the trio recorded seven points (three goals, four assists) and 17 shots on goal in what was an explosive showing from that line.

It was just the response Quinn would have demanded from Buchnevich who has a few weeks to prove that he can stay out of the doghouse and become a consistent threat for this team.

And we’ll leave you with this quote from Quinn to perhaps best sum up the rollercoaster ride that is Pavel Buchnevich:

“It’s like going to an amusement park. Sometimes you get the high rides and you’re having a hell of a time, and then you’re waiting in line, waiting to get on the ride, and you’re getting frustrated and aggravated.”

Quote of the year from David Quinn.

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