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Rangers rookie Buchnevich might be dealing with more than just back spasms

Philadelphia Flyers v New York Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 06: Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on October 6, 2016 in New York City. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Pavel Buchnevich has put together an impressive start to his NHL career, but there is growing concern about the back spasms that have kept him out of the Rangers lineup for the last week.

Per reports, the 21-year-old Buchnevich didn’t take part in Saturday’s practice. Coach Alain Vigneault acknowledged the rookie forward might be dealing with something more than spasms.

“Not a set back. Today he came in and wasn’t feeling the way we expected him,” said Vigneault, per the Rangers.

“Right now we’re going to have our doctors take a good look at him. This obviously might be more than just back spasms. We’re going to take a look at this and we’ll come up with a plan and I’ll share that plan with you.”

The Rangers have been one of the big stories in the NHL so far this season. They’ve averaged a league-leading 4.11 goals-for per game, which is well ahead of second-place Columbus in that category.

Buchnevich didn’t waste any time becoming a contributor to that high-powered offense.

In 10 games, he has recorded eight points. He had a scoring streak of four straight games before coming out of the lineup due to his ailing back, and his possession numbers (55.6 per cent Corsi For) have been strong through 120 minutes at five-on-five.

The Rangers will look to rebound from a 4-2 loss to the Blue Jackets on Friday, as their schedule enters a difficult stretch next week.

They host the Florida Panthers on Sunday, then travel to Pittsburgh to play Sidney Crosby and the Penguins on Monday. The Rangers and Penguins meet again Wednesday in New York.

Related: Looking to make the leap: Pavel Buchnevich