The Penguins are obviously very familiar with Bonino's game, which is pretty similar to how it was six years ago. Mike Sullivan always liked using the word "cerebral" to describe Bonino, and that certainly still applies today.
"I just play as complete a game as I can," Bonino said, adding that he and Sharks head coach David Quinn - who played with Sullivan at Boston University, where Bonino later went to school - talked a lot about his skating this year.
"Just moving my feet more and skating to gap, things like that," Bonino said. "So that's what I've focused on. But my strengths are usually thinking the game, and when I skate more, that makes it better."
Sullivan said the penalty kill is an area Bonino can contribute immediately, especially with Teddy Blueger being sent to Vegas, along with just bolstering their bottom-six overall. He comes here having scored at least 10 goals in seven straight seasons, and nine overall.
But for as much as the Penguins feel like Bonino will help them on the ice, Sullivan knows he will help them off the ice in so many ways.
"First and foremost, he's a real good person, just an unbelievable teammate," Sullivan said. "He has established relationships with our core guys. I know they got a ton of respect for him."
"We know this guy, you know?" Evgeni Malkin said. "He's an amazing person, tough to play against him. He's a good teammate. PK guy, faceoffs. He does everything. I hope he brings two more Cups for us!"
Bonino heard from a bunch of the guys he won with throughout the day on Friday after the news had gotten out, with his favorite text coming from the captain. "Sid asked me if we need to order more Alfredo sauce. I said I won't ruffle any feathers Day 1," Bonino grinned.
The two of them ended up walking into the rink together ahead of Pittsburgh's matchup with the Panthers. As it was being captured on camera, Bryan Rust came by with the soccer ball and said, "The old buddies reunited - nice! Get that shot!" Jake Guentzel chimed in, "Can't miss that one!"
Bonino had gotten the chance to catch up with a few of them when the Penguins hosted the Sharks in their last game before the bye week, and reminisce about their runs, which he played a big part in. He hears the famous BONINO BONINO BONINO goal call, which came after he scored the series-clinching overtime winner in Game 6 of the 2016 Second Round vs. Washington, "fairly often."
