By: Jack Studley | Follow me on Twitter/X @jackstudley13
After dropping the first game at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Boston Bruins wrapped up their weekend at the 2025 Prospects Challenge with a 6-4 win over the New Jersey Devils. The second of two games for the Bruins featured much more offense than the first, with six goals coming from six different scorers. Fraser Minten, Cole Chandler, Ty Gallagher, Dans Locmelis, Jackson Edward, and Riley Duran all got on the score sheet for the Bruins this afternoon.
Minten, Harrison, and Bancroft Start Early and Stand Out
From the jump, Fraser Minten had his mark all over this game. You knew when he was on the ice; his speed and skill were evident, and he looked like the best player on the ice. Minten ripped home a feed from Brett Harrison early in the first period, which ended up being the only black and gold goal in the first 20 minutes. Dalton Bancroft was involved in the dirty area in front of the net, making it challenging for Devils goalie Trenten Bennett to see or stop the puck.
Offense Takes Off in Second Period
The Bruins started hot in the second period, with fifth-round draft choice and Northeastern-commit Cole Chandler ripping a shot to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead just under seven minutes into the period. The Devils shortly countered. Ty Gallagher received the setup pass from Brett Harrison and ripped it home to regain the lead. Dalton Bancroft was yet again in front of the net, making it difficult for Devils goalie Trenten Bennett. Dans Locmelis used his backhand to tuck a Fraser Minten pass behind Trenten Bennett to give the Bruins their first two-goal lead of the day.
Right-Handed Defensemen Step Up
Right-handed defensemen can be considered an area of need for the Bruins, especially regarding the prospect pool. With that, the right-handed defensemen who suited up for the black and gold had a great game this afternoon. Ty Gallagher found the back of the net off his slap shot, giving the Bruins a 3-2 lead in the second. Gallagher also quarterbacked the power play today, and looked comfortable doing so; he was naturally moving the puck and using his shot to create chances. Camp invite Dylan MacKinnon also stood out today, looking comfortable on the defensive side of the puck. The former Moncton Wildcat dropped the gloves in a good fight with Devils prospect Cam Squires.
Final Thoughts
The Bruins’ prospects looked good as they muscled their way to a 6-4 win on a Sunday afternoon in Buffalo. Dans Locmelis impressed me today, generating scoring chances and using his backhand to his advantage. The UMass product will be a name to look out for this season, especially after his 12 points in his first six AHL games. Another name, Cole Chandler, was everywhere today, making his presence felt on the ice, creating offense, and ending up on the score sheet.
Training camp begins on Wednesday at Warrior Ice Arena, and the preseason starts one week from today, on September 21, with a 5:00 PM ET game against Washington.
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