Pavel Buchnevich
Drury and Laviolette Must Go
He has 3 points (2+1) in 4 games. I've really been liking his play the last few games. I think he's the type of player whose not very flashy, but the more you see him play on a consistent basis instead of a game here or there during the course of a season, you realize the consistency he brings.
To start with the negative, he really does not bring high end offensive ability. He doesn't stick-handle much, he's not more than an average passer, and he's not much of an offensive creator.
However, he makes so many quality decisions in every zone. And he plays a very heavy game. EP lists him at 6'2. The Rangers list him at 6'4 220. The 6'4 220 listing looks correct. He's excellent along the boards, and wins a lot of board battles. He's able to protect the puck because of his size and strength. He parks himself at the net, but sometimes will pop off into areas where he can get a shot off. He has a pretty good shot, but I also think players like him usually are going to score most of their goals at the net. Physically and offensively, there's some Kreider to how he plays with the obvious caveat being he doesn't skate anywhere near as well.
His skating is okay. Not going to lead the rush or beat players with anything other than size and strength, but he gets by. He's been playing center. I don't see why he couldn't stick at center, but I also think he could play wing. He's doing a good job defensively and on the PK.
To start with the negative, he really does not bring high end offensive ability. He doesn't stick-handle much, he's not more than an average passer, and he's not much of an offensive creator.
However, he makes so many quality decisions in every zone. And he plays a very heavy game. EP lists him at 6'2. The Rangers list him at 6'4 220. The 6'4 220 listing looks correct. He's excellent along the boards, and wins a lot of board battles. He's able to protect the puck because of his size and strength. He parks himself at the net, but sometimes will pop off into areas where he can get a shot off. He has a pretty good shot, but I also think players like him usually are going to score most of their goals at the net. Physically and offensively, there's some Kreider to how he plays with the obvious caveat being he doesn't skate anywhere near as well.
His skating is okay. Not going to lead the rush or beat players with anything other than size and strength, but he gets by. He's been playing center. I don't see why he couldn't stick at center, but I also think he could play wing. He's doing a good job defensively and on the PK.
