Donato can feel the playoff intensity Marchand fined
BRUINS NOTEBOOK
Bruins rookie Ryan Donato is using the intense final weeks of the regular season to develop a Stanley Cup playoff mentality.
The Bruins have been in playoff mode since March 17, the first of three meetings in the last 13 regular-season games against Tampa Bay, their main rival for supremacy in the Eastern Conference and home ice in the playoffs. The B’s can take a four-point lead on Tampa Bay if they complete a season sweep tonight in Tampa.
Donato, less than a month into his NHL career, got an eye-opening look at playoff intensity in the Bruins’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Flyers on Sunday.
“It is definitely positive,” said Donato. “It is a mental mindset that I haven’t had and definitely have to learn quickly. Having veteran guys around like Patrice (Bergeron) and (Brad Marchand), guys that are so winning oriented, having those guys to look up to makes it not as difficult as it would be to get used to that playoff mentality.”
Tampa Bay hopes to derail the Bruins’ late-season surge and reclaim first place, which it held from Oct. 19 to March 29.
“Every game is big right now and we are all trying to claw for points,” said Marchand. “It is a battle when we play them and we both know what we are playing for and we both want to make sure we are ready for playoff time. It is going to be a hard-fought game just like every game is right now. We are getting ready for the playoffs and we are trying to get into that mode and you tell with the intensity out there with (Philadelphia).”
Donato has been an impact player since scoring a goal and two assists in his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 19. He quickly warmed to the culture that general manager Don Sweeney and head coach Bruce Cassidy have brought to the organization this season.
“Being around great players is one thing and being around a winning team is another,” said Donato. “I think I’m blessed to have an opportunity to step right in and have a chance to get into the lineup and have a chance to play and create chances and play on a winning team.
“I try to get as much as I can and kind of be a sponge and soak up from this winning energy and do what I can to help the team in a positive way so we can continue to win.”
Holden steady
Defenseman Nick Holden has found his place despite playing nearly every blue line combination available since being acquired from the Rangers on Feb. 21.
Holden was paired with Zdeno Chara against the Flyers but is unsure of where he will play next with Brandon Carlo out with a lower-body injury, and with Charlie McAvoy possibly returning against the Lightning. McAvoy has missed 15 games with a sprained knee.
“To have these games like this for a couple of weeks going into the playoffs against teams that are pushing to get in and pushing us to play well is huge,” said Holden. “Now you are going into the playoffs at your top level instead of waiting. If you can be playing your best hockey going into the playoffs you are ready to go.”
The financial hits keep coming for Marchand.
The NHL slapped a $5,000 fine on Marchand for a cross check Sunday on Flyers defenseman Andrew MacDonald. Marchand drew a two-minute penalty for the hit. Earlier this season, the NHL suspended Marchand five games for elbowing New Jersey forward Marcus Johansson in the head on Jan. 23.