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Boston Bruins: It is time for Ryan Donato to play

By Sam Minton

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 3: Ryan McDonagh #27 of the Tampa Bay Lightning defends against Ryan Donato #17 of the Boston Bruins during the third period of the game at the Amalie Arena on April 3, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan McDonagh;Ryan Donato
TAMPA, FL - APRIL 3: Ryan McDonagh #27 of the Tampa Bay Lightning defends against Ryan Donato #17 of the Boston Bruins during the third period of the game at the Amalie Arena on April 3, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan McDonagh;Ryan Donato /
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The Boston Bruins rookie has been watching games from the 9th floor. The Bruins are down for the first time this series and they need to give Ryan Donato a shot.

The Boston Bruins are down two games to one to the Tampa Bay Lightning. They have struggled tremendously in their last two games. The Bruins have struggled to get anything going in the offensive zone and need to improve fast. The simple solution is giving their stud rookie, Ryan Donato a chance to reenergize this struggling squad.

Donato performed well in his short time with the Bruins. In just 12 games Donato scored 5 goals and 4 assists. He has a phenomenal wrist shot and hockey I.Q.

Bruce Cassidy is known to mix up the lines and he hinted after the game that some changes could be coming.

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"“We’ve got some guys that weren’t dressed [for Game 3] that have played well for this team. So we’ll have that conversation tomorrow,” said Cassidy. “I think it’s easier to [talk lineup] the next morning than immediately after the game. Some guys [among the forward group] have had a tough time [and] we need [to be better], whether they stay in or not. If they stay in, obviously, they need to be better.”"

Where would Donato go?

Now I’ll step into Cassidy’s shoes and create the lines. If Donato is playing you put him on the 2nd line with Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci. This would mean that Rick Nash would move down to the 3rd line and either Danton Heinen or Tommy Wingels would head up to the 9th floor. If I had to guess it would be Heinen. He hasn’t been able to get anything going in the playoffs. Heinen also only had 8 minutes of ice time so he appears to be in Cassidy’s doghouse.

Next: The Bruins continue to disappoint in game 3 loss

The Boston Bruins need a jolt of energy to revitalize this team. The Bruins have had issues in the offensive zone so the logical solution seems to be putting Donato in. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are where legends are born. Hopefully the legend of Ryan Donato will begin on Friday night

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