Nick Bonino Almost Sat in Finals With Elbow Infection

HBK Line stalwart Nick Bonino (#BoninoBoninoBonino)has revealed that he finished out the Stanley Cup Final with an elbow infection. He revealed the infection Thursday a day after 400,000 denizens of Pittsburgh celebrated the Penguins Stanley Cup victory in the streets of the city.

Bonino, with his elbow wrapped, told the press that he had been running a fever of 100 degrees. He would have been shut down if his temperature reached 101. He was on antibiotics throughout the series.

Bonino was acquired by the Penguins in an offseason trade with the Vancouver Canucks. In exchange for Brandon Sutter and a 3rd round draft pick, the Penguins acquired Bonino, Adam Clendening and a 2nd round draft pick. It was a good deal for the Penguins. Bonino was a key piece of the HBK line, who gave the Penguins the destructive depth that took them to the franchise’s fourth Stanley Cup.

Bonino put up four goals and 18 points in 22 postseason games, including the series-clinching goal against the Washington Capitals in the second round. Those 18 points were tied for the third most on the team in the playoffs.