One Week Out of College, Bonino on the Top Line

With Ryan Getzlaf Injured, Ducks Turn to Nicky


Nicky Bonino made his NHL Debut for the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night against the Edmonton Oilers, and impressed his coaches in his 14 minutes of ice time.  He got the call thanks to Getzlaf's faulty ankle, and is tyring to make the most of it.

Bonino Didn't Score, But He Was on the Ice For a Ducks Goal

Edmonton Sun Photo Gallery

The Orange County Register talked to Ducks Coach Randy Carlisle after the game, and he had high praise for his new player.

"He's a skilled player.  You can see that he knows his way around the rink. The situation we put him in, we tried to play him with our best players. Anytime a kid gets an opportunity to play with that level of player, he should feel fortunate. We feel fortunate he can slide in there and not really look out of place.  He was not overwhelmed in any situation. That's always a positive for a young player."

Bonino was welcomed to the NHL by a couple of big hits early on in the game.  He talked to the OC Register about getting knocked out by Oilers Big Man Dean Arsene.

"It was a good hit. I make a drop pass, and he finished his hit. Good to get it out of the way early. Woke me up a little. I'd imagined I'd get hit pretty good in one of these games. I'm happy it happened in my first one. I'll go from there and know what to expect."

Nick will remain on the first line for the Ducks tonight against Dallas. 

Congrats, Nick.  Keep up the good work.