Donato shines in loss
B’s fall in overtime to Jackets
Ryan Donato was satisfied with his NHL debut but disappointed in the outcome of last night’s 5-4 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at Garden.
The former Harvard star and son of Crimson head coach and former Bruins player Ted Donato registered a goal and two assists, a solid accomplishment coming right out of ECAC hockey last weekend.
But the result spoiled Donato’s debut.
Columbus right winger Cam Atkinson scored the game-winner at 2:55 of the OT to extend the Blue Jackets win streak to eight games.
“It was fun but obviously it ended tough,” said Donato. “At the end of the day I was excited and I think it all went well personally but obviously it is still bitter because of the loss.”
Donato signed a twoyear entry-level contract with the Bruins on Sunday, two days after Harvard was eliminated by Princeton in the ECAC tournament. The Scituate native joined the club with high expectations because of his local roots and Ivy League pedigree.
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy called Donato an “unknown” after the pregame skate at Warrior Ice Arena. But he made a good decision to place him on the left wing of veteran center David Krejci and rookie right winger Danton Heinen.
“This is one game,” said Cassidy. “It would be great if he has similar success and like I said consistency is a big issue for first-year guys and we all understand that. If he can string it together . . . and I’m very impressed that he can come in here in your hometown. There must be some jitters there and it might be easier to do that on the road. It’s a tough game and good for him to be able to do it right here in his own backyard.”
Donato also was on the B’s first power-play unit and delivered an assist on Riley Nash’s goal at 16:32 of the second period. Donato also was awarded extended ice time during the 3-on-3 overtime session.
“I played a little bit in the Olympics 3-on-3 so I was kind of used to a bigger sheet, which was difficult,” said Donato. “Obviously the Olympics is a big stage but here being at home it is kind of a crazy feeling that it is all on your shoulders the whole game and you want it end well.”
Donato went over the boards for the first time 30 seconds into the game and recorded his first shot on goal at 51 seconds, an off angle backhander that was easily handled by goalie Joonas Korpisalo.
Donato tied the game at 1 at 5:41 of the second period when he led the rush into the Columbus zone, paused at the top of the right circle and fed Torey Krug in the high slot. Krug made a quick return pass to Donato who one-timed a slapper from the bottom of the circle past Korpisalo.
Donato picked up his third point when he set up Krejci for the 4-4 equalizer at 11:50 of the third.
“When you play with tremendous guys it is not hard to feel good out there,” said Donato.