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Nick Bonino out for Game 3, Carl Hagelin back for Penguins

NASHVILLE – Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino, who injured his foot blocking a shot in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, was a scratch for Game 3 against the Nashville Predators on Saturday night.

He was seen in a walking boot and on crutches at Penguins practice prior to Game 3.

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In 21 games this postseason, Bonino has four goals and three assists, skating 16:52 on average. He’s won 52.3 percent of his faceoffs, which has been a sore spot for the Penguins in the Final.

Carter Rowney, who has three assists in 16 games, moves to center. He skated with Scott Wilson and Conor Sheary in warmups for Game 3.

Drawing back in for the Penguins is Carl Hagelin, the speedy winger who has been battling injuries this postseason and was a coach’s decision scratch for the first two games of the Final. He has one goal in 11 games for the Penguins.

Hagelin said before Game 3 that sitting out during the Stanley Cup Final left him frustrated. “You’re pissed off. But at the time, it’s not about you. It’s about the team,” he said.

Hagelin will skate on the fourth line with Matt Cullen and Patric Hornqvist.

“I’m sure he’ll bring everything he always brings to our team,” said coach Mike Sullivan on Saturday. “He’s got tons of speed. He’s a real good penalty killer. I think he forces turnovers all over the ice because of his speed and his puck pursuit game. Haggy is a good player. He’s been a big part of this team all year. He’s helped us win a lot of games.”

Ironically, Bonino and Hagelin were members of the same high-octane scoring line for the Penguins in their 2016 Stanley Cup run: The HBK Line, which also featured Phil Kessel.

Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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