( Photo Credit: Official Boston Bruins X Account )

By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44

After frustrating losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets, the Boston Bruins ended the 2024 Prospects Challenge on a winning note with a 6-4 result against the New Jersey Devils. The Bruins got goals from Adam Mechura, Evan Vierling, Jaxon Nelson, Jake Sloan, Carlin Dezainde, and Brett Harrison. Ryan Bischel picked up the win between the pipes.

Adam Mechura was arguably the best player on the ice for either team. The Pisek, Czechia native, crashed the net for the Bruins’ first goal and easily could have had more. Devils Goaltender Zach Pelletier robbed him on a two-on-one opportunity seconds into the game, and he had several other high-danger chances.

Another player who stood out was Evan Vierling. With Riley Duran and John Farinacci scratched, Vierling was promoted to the first line alongside Trevor Kuntar and Brett Harrison, and he did not disappoint. The Aurora, Ontario, native scored the Bruins’ second goal after receiving a pass in the neutral zone, flying into the attacking zone before ripping a hard shot past Pelletier’s glove. In the third period, he also registered a primary assist on Jake Sloan’s goal.

Jaxon Nelson had another strong game, adding his first of the tournament with a great individual effort in the second period. Nelson won a footrace to a loose puck off a defensive zone draw, chipping it off the boards to center ice. The Magnolia, Minnesota native then barreled towards the goal, ripping a shot top-shelf to tie the game at three. Nelson also showed chemistry with Adam Mechura, as the two had several dominant shifts, resulting in scoring chances.

Finally, Brett Harrison once again stood out. Harrison added his third goal in as many games on the Power Play late in the third period. After the Devils failed to clear, Harrison made them pay, collecting a pass in the middle of the slot before rifling a one-timer high blocker side past Pelletier. Harrison had several other shots on goal and was a constant problem for Devils defenders.

The Bruins end the tournament with a 1-1-1 record, an overall solid showing against tough competition. The next event on the calendar is training camp, which begins on Wednesday. Can some of these players stand out at the NHL level? We’ll have to wait and see.