The Boston Bruins return home to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday. The team just returned from a four game road trip, and will head out on Tuesday to embark on another four game set.
After defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-0 Saturday night, the suddenly depleted Boston Bruins are set to welcome in a new face into the mix when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday night at the TD Garden.
That face is NCAA and Olympic Standout Ryan Donato, son of former Bruins’ forward Ted Donato. Ryan was a 2nd round pick (56th overall) in the 2014 Draft for Boston. He was in the midst of a stellar campaign for the Harvard Crimson boasting 43 points (26-17-43) in 29 games along with gaining recognition on the World stage, leading the United States Olympic team in goals with 5.
Donato skated at Warrior Ice Arena Monday, and will slot in on the left wing next to Noel Acciari and Olypmic teammate Brian Gionta. He spoke to reporters after the morning rush about his past 24 hours.
"It’s a whirlwind experience obviously, right now it’s pretty crazy, I’m excited. It’s something that I don’t want to happen too fast so I can cherish every second of it. Right now it’s a lot of fun."
Not the First Donato to Play with Bergeron
Ryan’s father, Ted played a total of nine seasons for the Bruins, in two separate stints, the second of which came in 2003-04, where he was teammates with an 18 year old rookie by the name of Patrice Bergeron.
Bergeron skated for the first time since fracturing his foot a few weeks back against the Buffalo Sabres. He mainly worked on solo drills before the rest of the team took the ice, where he joined them for the morning skate. He has been ruled out for tonight and Wednesday, he will be reevaluated later on this week. He also spoke to the media Monday Morning.
"It feels great, I was excited when I went on the ice, I was gonna stay on a little longer with the rest of the guys so it was nice to be with them. I was away for a few weeks and it felt like a really long time. It’s about finding my timing back on the ice, making sure everything feels good, I still have a little bit of soreness, so have to manage that. Take it one day at a time is how I’m trying to approach things, but I’m definitely getting closer."
Other Gameday Notes
Zdeno Chara (Upper Body) is considered “Day to Day” and will not play tonight or Wednesday, per Bruce Cassidy. The recently turned 41 year old has been held out the past two contests as well. With the injuries suddenly piling up, the team wants to make sure everyone is close to 100 percent as the playoffs near.
General Manager Don Sweeney spoke with reports after the Donato signing Sunday where he gave updates on David Backes(Leg) and Jake DeBrusk (Upper Body). He didn’t however give timetables for either player’s return. Both are expected out the next few games.
Monday’s Expected Lineup:
Marchand – Riley Nash – Pastrnak
Heinen – Krejci – Rick Nash
Donato – Acciari – Gionta
Schaller – Kuraly – Wingels
Krug – Carlo
Grzelcyk – Miller
Holden – McQuaid