James Hagens put together a performance to remember as the Boston Bruins prospects defeated the Buffalo Sabres prospects 4-3 in overtime Monday afternoon. Hagens scored four goals, including the overtime winner, as Boston erased a two-goal deficit to sweep the two-game prospect showcase.
The Bruins won the opening game 6-2 on Sunday before completing the sweep Monday.
Jan Larys started in goal for Boston, while Buffalo turned to Samuel Meloche.
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Sabres Take Early Lead
The Bruins received the first power play of the game just over three minutes into the opening period after Sabres defenseman David Bedkowski was called for high-sticking. Boston generated several chances but could not beat Meloche.
Buffalo then opened the scoring with just under 9:30 remaining in the period.
With the Bruins facing a delayed penalty, Sabres defenseman Gavin McCarthy found the back of the net to make it 1-0. McCarthy, a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, played his college hockey at Boston University.
Boston had several opportunities to tie the game before the first intermission. Kalle Vaisanen had a breakaway with eight minutes remaining, but Meloche made the save.
Loke Johansson also had a strong opportunity following a costly Buffalo turnover, while Cole Chandler had a breakaway in the closing seconds. Meloche turned both chances aside.
The physicality also picked up late in the period when Jaxsin Vaughan and Brayden Holberton dropped the gloves. Holberton headed to the locker room following the fight and he did not return.
Hagens Sparks Bruins Comeback
Boston continued to create chances in the second period but struggled to solve Meloche.
The Bruins received another power play after Jake Richard was called for high-sticking, but Buffalo killed it off. The Sabres then received their own man advantage after Vaughan went to the box for hooking.
While shorthanded, Attilio Biasca generated another breakaway opportunity for Boston. Meloche once again came through, stopping his third Bruins breakaway of the game.
Buffalo extended its lead with 6:07 remaining in the period. Defenseman Maxim Strbak scored when his shot found its way through traffic and past Larys to make it 2-0.
Then Hagens took over.
With less than two minutes remaining, Cohen Bidgood was called for tripping, giving Boston another power play. Hagens capitalized, scoring his first goal of the afternoon and his third of the showcase to cut Buffalo’s lead to 2-1.
The Bruins earned another power play with 42.9 seconds left in the period. Hagens struck again.
The Bruins’ top prospect sniped a shot past Meloche with just 4.8 seconds remaining, tying the game at 2-2.
Hagens Completes Hat Trick and Wins It in Overtime
Hagens needed only a few minutes in the third period to complete his hat trick.
Boston earned a 5-on-3 power play after Richard and Vsevolod Komarov were both called for tripping. Hagens took advantage once again, scoring his third goal of the game to give Boston its first lead.
Buffalo refused to go away.
With 11.5 minutes remaining, Liam Valente beat Larys blocker side to tie the game at 3-3. Neither team could find the go-ahead goal during the remainder of regulation, sending the game to overtime.
The Sabres received an early opportunity in the extra period when Thomas Zocco was called for tripping. Boston’s penalty kill came through again, keeping the game tied.
Then, with just 37.7 seconds remaining in overtime, Hagens completed the performance.
He scored his fourth goal of the game to give the Bruins a 4-3 victory and complete Boston’s sweep of the prospect showcase. Hagens had six goals in the two games of the showcase.
Bruins Prospects Show Their Resiliency
Hagens’ four-goal performance obviously stole the spotlight, but the Bruins also showed plenty of resilience throughout the game.
Boston entered the third period trailing 2-1 before taking a 3-2 lead. After Buffalo tied the game, the Bruins killed off an overtime penalty before Hagens delivered the final blow.
Larys also faced a difficult test in his first showcase appearance. He is coming off a season with Drummondville in the QMJHL, where he posted a 26-10-2 record with a 2.86 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage and three shutouts.
Meloche was equally impressive for Buffalo despite the loss. The Sabres selected him 116th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. He went 33-13-3 with a 2.75 goals-against average, an .897 save percentage and three shutouts in 50 regular-season games with Rouyn-Noranda last season.
However, Hagens ultimately proved to be the difference.
The Bruins prospects leave the showcase with two wins, scoring 10 goals across the two games while allowing just five.
Boston’s prospects will now turn their attention toward the preseason as the organization continues evaluating its young talent.
Next Up:
The Bruins’ preseason opener is Sunday against the Washington Capitals at 5:00 PM EST and can be seen on NESN+.
The Sabres open their preseason schedule on Monday, September 21st against the Penguins, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM EST.
