By: Jake Ferraro | Follow me on Twitter/X @18Jxxx18
Yesterday, the 2026 Prospects Challenge began for the Boston Bruins, and the team earned a dominant 6-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Less than 24 hours later, the Bruins and Sabres met again for the second and final game of the Prospects Challenge. The second game was closer than the first game, but the Bruins found a way to prevail in the end.
The Bruins/Sabres defeated the Sabres/Bruins 4-3 in overtime at LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo. The Bruins swept the two games of the Prospects Challenge, outscoring the Sabres 10-5. Trent Whitfield was satisfied with the two games against the Sabers and said that nothing surprised him.
First Period
Unlike yesterday, the Bruins failed to score a goal in the first period. The Bruins had a power play opportunity 2:54 into the period, but failed to score. The Sabres scored the only goal of the period when defenseman Gavin McCarthy scored at 9:24. The Bruins outshot the Sabres 13-11 during the period. However, Sabres goaltender Samuel Meloche made all 13 saves, and Bruins goaltender Jan Larys made ten saves.
Second Period
Like the first period, the Bruins got another early power play opportunity to start the second period. This time, it came at 1:35 into the period. However, the Bruins failed to score again on the power play. With 6:07 remaining in the period, defenseman Maxim Strbak scored to extend the Sabres’ lead to 2-0. The Bruins got their third power play opportunity of the game with 3:06 remaining in the period. Then, enter James Hagens.
Hagens scored on the power play with 1:48 remaining in the period to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Bruins got another power play opportunity before the period ended, and Hagens again scored on the power play. Hagens’ second power play goal tied the game at two with 4.8 seconds remaining. Hagens’ two power play goals in a span of 1:44 made the game tied at two heading into the second intermission.
Third Period
Just 1:53 into the third period, the Bruins got a 5-on-3 power play opportunity for 1:07. Hagens scored on the 5-on-3 power play to complete the hat trick and give the Bruins a 3-2 lead. However, the excitement after Hagens’ hat trick ended when Sabres forward Liam Valente tied the game with 11:27 remaining in regulation. Hagen and Valente scored the only goals of the period, and overtime would be needed. The Bruins outshot the Sabres 32-30 through regulation.
Overtime
Bruins forward Thomas Zocco was called for a tripping penalty 1:08 into overtime, giving the Sabres a power play with a chance to win the game. However, the Bruins successfully killed off Zocco’s penalty. Once again, Hagens delivered for the Bruins. With 37.7 seconds remaining in overtime, Hagens scored the overtime winner to give the Bruins a 4-3 win and record a four-goal game. Hagens scored six goals in the two games combined of the Prospects Challenge.
“It was awesome,” Hagens said about his six goals during the two games.
“What else is there to say?” Whitfield said about Hagens’ game.
After scoring six goals in two games, Hagens has brought in a lot of excitement ahead of training camp for the Bruins. Whitfield said Hagens has an elite shot and will keep getting better.
With the Prospects Challenge complete, the Bruins now shift their focus to training camp and preseason action before their first regular-season game on Sept. 29. The Bruins will begin training camp this Wednesday at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, Massachusetts. Then, the Bruins will play their first preseason game on Sept. 20 against the Washington Capitals.
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