Pavel Buchnevich
(Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

New York Rangers youngster Pavel Buchnevich receives terrible news as he will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a broken thumb.

New York Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich will be sidelined for the next four-to-six weeks with a broken thumb. The team made the official announcement on Monday.

The injury occurred during Saturday night’s 5-4 shootout win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Buchnevich had a goal, his fifth of the season, which at the time gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead in the second period. Buch also collected an assist on the first goal of the game scored by Mika Zibanejad.

Buchnevich has experienced a rollercoaster season under new head coach David Quinn, resulting in some healthy scratch situations.

The head coach praised Buchnevich’s play over the past few games at the postgame press conference Saturday night.

It is not clear if the Rangers will recall another forward before Monday night’s game against the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers have also been without Mats Zuccarello the last two games due to a groin strain.

As one door closes, another opens with the Buchenvich injury. More playing time will be available for Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil as one of these youngsters should slide over to play in Buch’s spot.

The Rangers have been on a tear the last six games, recording a 5-0-1 mark while grabbing 11 out of 12 points along the way.

This injury is a big blow to a team struggling to find scoring in the lineup. The injury bug has hit the team recently as Fredrik Claesson, Anthony DeAngelo and Brett Howden all have missed games due to injury along with Zuccarello and now, young Pavel Buchnevich.

A graduate of St. John's University class of '91. I have been a fan of the New York Rangers since the days of Peter Puck. Founder of Ranger Proud, the Facebook page that covers all news, notes, pre /post-game stats, and player quotes. I can be reached at [email protected]