The NHL forward Pavel Buchnevich, who suits up for the St. Louis Blues, spoke candidly in a sports.ru interview about his experiences traveling through two major cities and how subway systems compare. He emphasized that St. Petersburg has an appeal that rivals or even surpasses that of busy American metropolises, calling out differences he noticed between the subway environments in Moscow and New York. He described St. Petersburg as attractive and orderly, with a sense of cleanliness and civility that stood in contrast to what he has observed elsewhere.
Buchnevich is best known for his time with the New York Rangers, a chapter of his career that spanned from 2016 to 2021. During those seasons he contributed consistently to the team, earning a reputation as a reliable two-way forward who could be trusted in pivotal moments on the ice.
In his discussion about New York, he offered a realistic comparison between life in the United States and Russia. He noted that the New York subway can feel crowded and hectic, and pointed out how environmental challenges there can be, from crowded platforms to limited air conditioning. He recalled an occasion when he was in a rush and rode the subway with Namestnikov to reach a destination for a major tennis event. The experience, he said, highlighted how different travel conditions can be in large cities and how those moments shape a visitor’s overall impression. The broader takeaway he shared was a sense of preference for Moscow and St. Petersburg, where he feels the public transit system and the urban environment better align with his expectations of comfort and practicality.
Looking back on the most recent NHL season, Buchnevich produced a strong scoring total, recording 67 points from 63 games with a plus rating of 14. Those numbers placed him among the league’s notable performers for the campaign. In early October 2023, a well-known hockey publication conducted a comprehensive ranking of elite players. The Athletic grouped players into four tiers, ranging from the league MVP to what was described as the Best Team Level. Buchnevich was categorized within the third tier, the All-Star Level, acknowledging his skill and impact while noting room for further distinction among the top tier players.
There has been additional context provided about the team’s home venue in Russia. Roman Rotenberg addressed questions about the origin of the ice at the SKA Arena, offering insights into the facilities that host top-tier hockey in the country. His comments help explain the atmosphere around the sport in Russia and how it connects to the broader international hockey landscape.
As the season progresses, Buchnevich remains a key figure to watch. His experience in North American leagues, paired with his sustained production, positions him as a bridge between different hockey cultures. Fans and analysts alike continue to note his ability to adapt and contribute, whether on the ice during a tight game or in conversations about the sport off the rink. The observations about city life and transit add a personal dimension to his professional story, illustrating how a player’s surroundings can influence perspective as much as performance. In discussions about travel, culture, and sport, Buchnevich offers a candid portrait of a modern athlete navigating two worlds with resilience and clarity. [The Athletic, 2023] [sports.ru interview excerpt]”