Bruins’ Ryan Donato Has Goal, Two Assists In NHL Debut Vs. Blue Jackets [VIDEO]

Ryan Donato just recently amazed in Pyeongchang, South Korea as a member of the U.S. Olympic Men’s National Hockey Team, and now he has excelled again in his NHL debut.

Ryan Donato NHL debut Highlights

The former Harvard center-forward notched a goal and two assists as a Boston Bruin on Monday night. Donato, 21, and the Bruins lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 in overtime at TD Garden.

Torey Krug fed Donato at 14:19 of the middle frame to even the contest 1-1.

The Harvard product then logged his first NHL assist on a power-play goal from Riley Nash afterwards in the frame, and contributed yet another on David Krejci’s third-period score, which tied it up again 4-4.

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy wasn’t happy about the game result, but said he was impressed by Dontao’s performance.

“What’s not to like tonight?” said Cassidy. “[He was] on the puck, making plays as advertised.”

Donato finished with six shots on goal and played 19:40, third most among Bruins forwards behind Brad Marchand and Nash.

A 2014 second-round draft pick, Donato is a Massachusetts native and the son of former Bruin and current Harvard coach Ted Donato. Ted scored his first NHL goal in his second game with the Bruins.

In college, Donato was a strong contender for the Hobey Baker Award. He became eligible for the NHL after the Crimson were eliminated in the ECAC semifinals by Clarkson 5-4 in overtime Friday night.

The Bruins have suffered plenty of other injuries, including rookie defenseman Charlie McAvoy (knee) and captain Zdeno Chara (upper-body injury).