NASHVILLE -- Nick Bonino arrived here on crutches and in a walking boot. He didn’t practice yesterday and didn’t skate this morning. Put all that together and it seems doubtful he’ll play tonight after taking a shot off his foot Wednesday in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan would not, or could not, share his lineup for Game 3. But if Bonino can’t go, expect speedy winger Carl Hagelin to enter Pittsburgh’s lineup.
Hagelin was a healthy scratch for the first two games against the Predators. Naturally, he was none too happy about it.
Officially, both Bonino and Hagelin are considered game-time decisions.
“If Haggy plays, I’m sure he’ll bring everything he always brings to our team,” said Sullivan. “He’s got tons of speed. He’s a real good penalty killer. I think he forces turnovers all over the ice because of his speed and his puck-pursuit game. Haggy is a good player. He’s been a big part of this team all year. He’s helped us win a lot of games.”
Yesterday at practice, Carter Rowney shifted to center between Scott Wilson and Conor Sheary to fill Bonino’s spot on the third line, while Hagelin was on the fourth line alongside Matt Cullen and Patric Hornqvist.