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Monday, November 8, 1999
Bonk's star finally shining
There's a glint in Radek Bonk's eyes these days and it's not hard to understand why.
After 15 games, the Ottawa Senators' 23-year-old centre leads the team in scoring with 16 points, including seven goals.
He's collected a point in all but five games, has scored two game-winning goals and has been on the ice for five other clinchers with linemates Marian Hossa and Magnus Arvedson.
As a trio, they have scored a goal in 13 of the team's 15 games.
"I started having fun last year for the first time in a long time," said Bonk. "It's the same thing this year."
With captain Alexei Yashin holding out for a new contract, Bonk has been given the added responsibility of helping out offensively, while maintaining his defensive role.
For the past three games, the Hossa-Bonk-Arvedson line has been matched up against the opposition's top line with the Senators winning the battle.
"It helps your confidence knowing (coach) Jacques (Martin) gives you that challenge," said Bonk. "He trusts you can do the job."
Bonk's not only doing the job, he's doing it very well.
Last year the Czech Republic native had to wait until Jan. 11 to collect 15 points and Jan. 30 for his first two-point game.
Bonk's first two-point performance came during the team's second game of the year against the New York Rangers and has been repeated five times since.
Ottawa's first-round pick, third overall in the 1994 NHL entry draft, Bonk was a highly touted prospect, but after dismal performances in his first four years many began to question his future with the Senators.
Except for Jacques Martin.
The Sens coach believed in Bonk's abilities and his patience was rewarded when his young centre finished last season with 16 goals and 32 points, his best performance since 1995-96 when he recorded 35 points.
"It just didn't happen in the beginning," said Bonk.
Bonk credits much of his turnaround to his linemates. The three players became one of the Senators' most dominating combinations last year and have picked up where they left off.
"Last summer I was hoping we would play together again," he said. "I think we're a good match."
These days, no one is questioning that.
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