Rookie forward Ryan Donato was thrust into the lineup and didn't disappoint as the Bruins lost to the red-hot Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 in overtime tonight at TD Garden. The former Harvard standout signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Bruins on Sunday and registered a goal and two assists in his NHL debut.
"It's a whirlwind experience right now," Donato said. "It's pretty crazy. I'm really excited. It's something that I don't want to happen too fast so I can cherish every second of it. ... It's a dream come true. I just want to play well and do whatever I can to help the team. I just have to go in confident and do what I can to help. At the end of the day, it's just hockey and I've been doing it my whole life, so hopefully I can do it to the best of my abilities tonight."
Originally, Donato was slated to play on the third line with Noel Acciari in the middle and Brian Gionta on the right. However, Rick Nash has been a last-minute scratch due to an upper-body injury and he's listed as day-to-day, so Donato will play with David Krejci and Danton Heinen. Anton Blidh was recalled from Providence and will play with Acciari and Gionta.
Donato will also work on the team's first power-play unit.
Since the Bruins are dealing with so many injuries, and the fact that the Blue Jackets are clinging to a playoff spot, it's a good time for Donato to get his first taste of playing pro hockey.
"The setup is advantageous, in terms of, he's coming into a good culture, a winning team and the expectations are to go out and play your game," said Bruce Cassidy. "We're not expecting him to do anything more than that and that's it. It'll be a competitive week and we'll see how our injuries play out and how the lineup looks on Wednesday and Friday. Right now the plan (for Donato) is one game at a time and see where he's at. He's going to get a real good taste of intense hockey and hopefully, he's up to the challenge. We believe he is, but until it plays out on the ice, it's exciting but it's a bit of an unknown."
Bruins alternate captain Patrice Bergeron was an 18-year-old rookie in the NHL when he played with Donato's father, Ted.
"It's definitely different," Bergeron said with a smile. "That first year (Ryan) was skating a few times after practice as a young kid and now he's in the locker room and he's going to be part of the team, so it's definitely different, but he comes from a great family and hopefully I can help him as much as Teddy helped me."
Donato played on the same line with Gionta during the Olympics and the veteran forward believes the rookie's transition to the NHL will be relatively seamless.
"If you saw him over at the Olympics he was extremely composed, so I think he'll adjust just fine," Gionta said. "He's got a ton of talent and he's a great pick up. . . You can say whatever you want, but you can't really prepare yourself for your first NHL game. It's a special experience, so it's tough to help prepare someone for that. He'll go out there have fun with it and experience it. It's a pretty special moment."
Observations from the first period.
- Nice ovation for Donato as he takes the ice for his first NHL shift. And, he registers a shot right away.
- Bad change by Boston leads to sloppy defensive play and the Blue Jackets have a 1-0 lead.
- Now Columbus getting the first PP of the game. Kevan Miller off for high stick.
- Delayed entry on the power play is ridiculous.
- Donato draws a slashing penalty.
- Then he nearly puts home a couple of chances on the power play.
- Adam McQuaid has been a shot-blocking machine the last few games.
- Donato's gonna want to shoot that next time.
- Miller called for closing-hand-on-puck penalty. Krejci did the same twice last week and got away with it.
- Bruins kill off the Miller penalty.
- If a player attempts to play the puck but misses it, it shouldn't be icing.
- Marchand draws a tripping penalty.
- Donato reminds me of Pastrnak in his first couple of NHL games as far as needing to be stronger along the walls.
- Bruins outshot Blue Jackets 14-5 in the first period.
- Just from a pure hockey standpoint, I hope this period is much more entertaining than the last one.
- Standing ovation as Donato scores his first NHL goal to tie the game at 1-1. Great play by Krug to set up the one-timer.
- Yes, Marchand should be in the Hart conversation. His goal gives the Bruins a 2-1 lead.
- So, yes, this period has been much more entertaining.
- That save on Matt Calvert seemed like it stung Rask.
- Pastrnak is on the verge of reaching playoff hockey mentality.
- That goal was all Donato. He retrieved it before Korpisalo could cover it to keep the play going. Bruins with a 3-1 lead.
- That two-goal lead doesn't last long as Columbus cuts deficit to 3-2.
- Miller rings a blast off the post to start the period.
- That was a timely save by Rask on Milano's backhand attempt through traffic.
- Thomas Vanek destroys the Bruins time and again. Ties the game at 3-3.
- This game will come down to whether or not Rask makes that one last save.
- I've seen him do it in practice but never in a game but Krug just pulled a fake slapper pass.
- First Artemi Panarin gives the CBJ a 4-3 lead.
- Then Krejci ties it at 4-4. Donato now has a goal and two assists.
- Did-nato.
- This kid is having an incredible game. Receives a huge standing ovation with 3:02 remaining and the game tied at 4-4 for his effort around the net.
- This one is going to overtime.