Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Former Penguin returns in surprise role as Pittsburgh resumes practice after Olympic break
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Today, the Pittsburgh Penguins took the ice for practice with return to play on the horizon and were joined by a surprise guest former Penguin.
The Penguins' news cycle over the last 24 hours has understandably been controlled by Sidney Crosby’s injury suffered while playing for Team Canada.
Fans have been clamoring for the latest updates on Crosby’s status for the semifinals and beyond.
For the Penguins, life continues on as all of the players not at the Olympics came together for a team practice.
With goaltender Arturs Silovs still en route to return from Italy, the Penguins needed a goaltender for practice.
To take his place, former Penguin and current assistant coach Nick Bonino put the pads on and went between the pipes.
Nick Bonino returns to the Penguins in an unexpected role between the pipes
During practice, the Penguins shared photos of Bonino all geared up in Penguins goalie equipment, ready to practice.
Now in net at Penguins practice....
NICK BONINO!
NICK BONINO!
Bonino operated the net opposite of starter Stuart Skinner and even participated in a shootout against Skinner.
After taking down Bonino in the shootout, the Penguins players came together for a celebratory hug.
Bonino, 37, last played in the NHL in 2024 with the New York Rangers, and since his retirement, he has gone into coaching and is now in his first season as the Penguins' assistant coach.
With Silovs scheduled to be back with the team in the next couple of days we likely will not see Bonino reprise his role as backup goaltender any time soon.
Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
Sidney Crosby's status vs Finland shifts pressure onto Team Canada stars
Sidney Crosby's status vs Finland shifts pressure onto Team Canada stars
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 19|151 ANSWERS Former Penguin returns in surprise role as Pittsburgh resumes practice after Olympic break Were you surprised to see Nick Bonino suited up in goal for Penguins practice? | ||
| Yes | 92 | 60.9 % |
| No | 59 | 39.1 % |
| List of polls | ||