Bruins Notebook: Ryan Donato sits for Game 1; Rick Nash and Adam McQuaid in

After completing his collegiate hockey career at Harvard, Ryan Donato was thrust into the Bruins' lineup March 19 and quickly made an impact, posting five goals and four assists for nine points in 12 regular-season games. But when the Bruins open up their first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday at TD Garden, Donato will be watching from press level as a healthy scratch.

By no means is it a demotion or punishment. It’s simply what’s best for the Bruins at this point. And just because he won’t be in the lineup for Game 1 doesn’t mean he’ll be on the outside looking in for the entire postseason. At some point, his services will be needed and he’ll be ready.

“I just come in with a positive attitude,” he said. “I understand why I would be if I’m not, and if I am then I'll come ready to play. At the end of the day, I’m happy with whatever position they put me in and hopefully, I get in. I’d be crazy not to be upset if I wasn’t in and I’ll just stay motivated and ready to go if I get the chance.”

With the exception of Riley Nash, everyone will be healthy and in the lineup, which makes Donato the odd-man out to start. Nash will resume skating on Thursday but he will not be in the lineup for Game 1, according to Bruce Cassidy.

“Saturday’s a possibility, but we’ll see how he progresses,” the coach said.

Even though Donato won't be in the lineup to start the series, he's thrilled he's reached this point of his career.

“It’s a true blessing. If you told me at the beginning of my Harvard season, or at the beginning of the school year that I would be playing in the Olympics and then having a chance to win a Stanley Cup, I’d tell you were crazy,” Donato said. “Right now I’m on Cloud 9 and trying to soak up every minute of it.”

The other Nash: After missing the last 12 games of the regular season with a concussion, Bruins forward Rick Nash returns for Game 1. He’ll play with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. Since arriving in Boston via trade with the New York Rangers, Nash has three goals and three assists for six points in 11 games for the Bruins. He’s been working hard in practice and staying on for extra work in order to prepare for the playoffs.

“It’ll take a game or so to get back up to speed, but everything’s positive,” he said.

Since his return to practice, he’s been sporting a tinted visor to limit the glare because of his recent concussion.

“I don’t know if it does anything or not,” admitted Nash. “I wore one for a few years when I first came into the league. This practice rink is really bright, so just trying to take some of the glare out.”

D-tweaks: With seven healthy defensemen, Cassidy decided Nick Holden would be a healthy scratch for Game 1. Adam McQuaid will be in the lineup and paired with Matt Grzelcyk. That means Torey Krug and Kevan Miller will be a pair. Krug has played against some big-time matchups this season and handled it well.

“Depending on how it plays out, with Bergeron’s line, Torey’s had some success creating offense for that group when he’s out there,” explained Cassidy. “With Kevan Miller ... if there’s a certain matchup, it might favor us so that’s why we made the switch. Grizz has played with Adam and has had some success. We don’t feel it’s a big switch for Grizz because Adam and Kevan have some similarities. We can easily go back.”

Cassidy is a loyal coach and is going with the players that helped the team, for the majority of the season, reach this point. However, if those players on the bubble don't perform then they'll be watching from press level because the coach has choices.

Role player: Veteran Brian Gionta will be a healthy scratch but he knew that would be the likely scenario when he signed with the Bruins as a free agent after the Olympics. He was added to the roster for depth purposes, but don't be surprised if he's inserted into the lineup at some point, either in this series for later in the playoffs if the Bruins advance.

“I’m sure he’ll be disappointed, but why wouldn’t he be? He’s been a great character guy for us and he’s fit in well. When he gets his opportunity he’ll get his chance to get it done," Cassidy said.

Here’s what the Bruins’ lineup will look like for Game 1.

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