The news that New York Rangers’ forward Pavel Buchnevich will be sidelined for a minimum of two weeks could not come at a worse time for the ailing Blueshirts.
The injury bug has been swarming around the NHL in the beginning of the 2016-17 season and it appears that the New York Rangers’ blood is mighty sweet.
The opening minutes of the season saw the likes of Kevin Klein, Dan Girardi, and Chris Kreider sidelined due to various ailments. Then last night, Mika Zibanejad suffered a broken left fibula after his stretched out leg went thundering into the boards. The injury will keep Zibanejad out of the lineup for at least six to eight weeks.
Now, less than 24 hours after Zibanejad’s gruesome fall, Blueshirt’s fans received more injury news regarding rookie Russian playmaker Pavel Buchnevich.
Just before tonight’s clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins at The newly named PPG Paint Center, Alain Vigneault informed the media that an MRI revealed that there is “no structural” damage in the 21-year old’s back, but will have to rehab for two-to-three weeks to strengthen his core. Vigneault added that “there should be no issues” following his time off.
The update from AV is encouraging in the fact that many were concerned that Buchnevich had serious issues in the area after being forced from the lineup on multiple occasions for what the team called “back spasms.”
Unfortunately for the Blueshirts, the Buchnevich news means that Vigneault will be short two of his top six forwards over the next couple weeks. The Rangers will need to have the “next guy up” mentality as folks like Oscar Lindberg and Josh Jooris will see extended time in the lineup until Buchnevich is able to get back to full health.
The Blueshirts forward depth was marveled about all summer. It will need to step up in a big way if the Rangers have plans of staying atop the Eastern Conference.
