It is certainly good timing for Donato, who is back with the big club after a tour with Providence over the last month. The 22-year-old began the year with Boston, notching one goal in 11 games, before heading down I-95 in early November.
Donato, recalled by the Bruins on Wednesday, took advantage of his time with Providence, rounding out his 200-foot game, while picking up five goals and four assists in 10 games. On Tuesday night against the Islanders, he'll ride on the left wing alongside Joakim Nordstrom and Noel Acciari on Boston's third line.
"Very excited, said Donato, who will also slide in on the Bruins' second power-play unit. "It's been a little while. Hopefully I'll get some opportunities and hopefully I'll do well with them."
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy is not ruling out a promotion for Donato at some point, but would like to see how he has grown over the last few weeks before rushing him into a top-six role.
"The third line's a little bit different personality," said Cassidy. "Got Nordy back in the middle, Donato's more of a scorer, Acciari more energy, physical. We'll see how it plays out. It kind of shook out that way. We didn't want to mess too much with the fourth line.
"He'll get some power-play time. Let's see how he plays first before we adjust our lines. That's kind of our thinking."
Donato essentially takes the place of Anders Bjork, who was assigned to Providence on Thursday afternoon. Bjork has one goal and two assists in 20 games this season.
