Fansided

Pittsburgh Penguins could play Game 3 without Nick Bonino

By Jeff Hawkins

Mar 23, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Kyle Turris (7) faces off against Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino (13) in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Kyle Turris (7) faces off against Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino (13) in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins could be without gritty fourth-line center Nick Bonino for tonight’s Game 3 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final.

Pittsburgh Penguins fourth-line center Nick Bonino is expected to be a game-time decision.

During Game 2’s 4-1 victory, Bonino absorbed a slap shot from Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, which caromed off the inside of his left ankle. He was helped to the locker room immediately after the injury but returned to finish the game.

Bonino on Friday was spotted using crutches and wearing a walking boot on his left foot. Up 2-0 in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, the Penguins tonight will face the host Nashville Predators in Game 3.

Bonino missed Friday’s practice with what Penguins coach Mike Sullivan described as a lower-body injury and a decision will be made prior the opening face-off.

A checking specialist, Bonino plays a big penalty-killing role. In 21 playoff games this spring, he has collected four goals among seven points. His speed and grit were key to the Penguins’ 2016 Stanley Cup championship run. If Bonino does not dress for Game 3, Carl Hagelin could fill the opening. A healthy scratch for the opening two Cup matches, Hagelin has one goal in 11 postseason games.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said both sides are fighting injuries.

“I think everyone’s prepared regardless of who’s in,” Crosby told the AP. “Everyone’s going to do whatever it takes to make sure they can play. And if not, then someone else who steps in is ready to take on that challenge.”

Feeling pressure not to go down 3-0 in the series, Predators coach Peter Laviolette declined to comment on the team’s goalie situation. Starter Pekka Rinne has not performed up to his previous playoff standard, posting a .778 save percentage in the Cup final. However, Rinne is 7-1 with a 1.54 goals-against average and .947 save percentage at Bridgestone Arena during the playoffs.

Next: Could Predators bench Rinne?

Laviolette’s other option is rookie backup Juuse Saros, who received his NHL playoff baptism in relief Wednesday.

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