Preview/Lines #11: Quinn Likes Bonino at Wing Right Now

One of the reasons why Nick Bonino signed with the San Jose Sharks last off-season was to play center.

“From all our conversations, they see me and what I see myself as, a really solid third-line center,” Bonino said in Jul. 2021.

Give Pavelski Another Assist, Bonino Wanted to Play Center Again

However, by the end of last season, Bob Boughner had shifted Bonino to Logan Couture’s wing. Bonino actually found success there, scoring four goals at left wing in the last seven games of the year.

When new head coach David Quinn came on though, he put his former Boston University pivot back up the middle. That didn’t last long though: Last week, against the New York Rangers, Bonino was back shotgunning for Couture.

Today, after missing the last three games with a rib injury, Bonino was back on the wing, this time with Nico Sturm.

Quinn noted that his alternate captain just wants to help the San Jose Sharks win.

“He understands every season is new. You add guys,” Quinn said. “He just wants to help in any position he can. Right now, with our lineup, I think that gives us our best look with him on the wing.”

San Jose Sharks (3-7-0)

James Reimer will start.

Here’s a best guess at lines:

Meier-Hertl-Svechnikov
Nieto-Couture-Barabanov
Bonino-Sturm-Kunin
Lindblom-Lorentz-Labanc

Megna-Karlsson
Vlasic-Benning
Ferraro-Simek

Quinn will talk two hours before the drop of the puck.

Tampa Bay Lightning (4-4-0)

#Bolts lines and D-pairings at practice:

Hagel-Point-Kucherov
Stamkos-Paul-Killorn
Koepke-Namestnikov-Colton
Maroon-Bellemare-Perry

Hedman-Cernak
Sergachev-Perbix
Cole-Foote
Fleury-Myers

— Chris Krenn (@Chris_Krenn) October 28, 2022

Where to Watch

The San Jose Sharks will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at 1:30 PM PST at SAP Center. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.