{"id":847441,"date":"2026-09-14T12:02:14","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T12:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/847441\/"},"modified":"2026-09-14T12:02:14","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T12:02:14","slug":"bruins-top-prospect-james-hagens-makes-loud-opening-statement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/847441\/","title":{"rendered":"Bruins Top Prospect James Hagens Makes Loud Opening Statement"},"content":{"rendered":"

James Hagens did not need long to remind the Boston Bruins<\/a> why he is one of the most exciting young players in the organization.<\/p>\n

Hagens scored twice Sunday as the Bruins opened the 2026 Prospects Showcase with a convincing 6-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Boston received goals from six different spots in the lineup, but Hagens produced the performance that should generate the most excitement. The talented forward scored once in the second period before adding a power-play goal in the third to complete his impressive night.<\/p>\n

The Bruins celebrated the victory<\/a> on social media shortly after the final horn.<\/p>\n

For an organization looking to develop its next wave of offensive difference-makers, Hagens provided an encouraging first look.<\/p>\n

James Hagens Displays Scoring Touch<\/p>\n

Boston already held a 3-1 advantage when Hagens struck at the eight-minute mark of the second period. Hagens found space in the offensive zone and beat Buffalo goaltender Scott Ratzlaff with a well-placed shot that left little chance for a save. The goal pushed the Bruins\u2019 lead to three and placed Hagens at the center of Boston\u2019s offensive surge.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Job well done for Game 1!<\/p>\n

Bruins: 6
Sabres: 2 pic.twitter.com\/zN31AduBL5<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He was not finished.<\/p>\n

Hagens scored again at 7:13 of the third period, converting on the power play to give Boston a 6-2 lead. That goal completed the scoring and gave Hagens a two-goal performance in his first showcase appearance of the weekend. The production mattered, but so did the way Hagens created opportunities. He demonstrated confidence with the puck and the finishing ability Boston hopes will eventually translate to the NHL level.<\/p>\n

MORE:\u00a0James Hagens Explains Why Bruins Prospect Showcase Carries Added Value<\/a><\/p>\n

Bruins Receive Contributions Throughout Lineup<\/p>\n

Attilio Biasca gave Boston a dream start by scoring only 25 seconds into the game. Buffalo answered on the power play when Dylan Dumont converted a rebound at 5:46, but Dans Locmelis restored the Bruins\u2019 advantage later in the opening period.<\/p>\n

Locmelis\u2019 performance represented another positive development for Boston. He returned to game action after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in March and immediately looked involved at both ends of the ice. Nolan Renwick extended the lead with a power-play goal at 6:44 of the second period. Hagens scored less than two minutes later before Thomas Zocco beat the clock with two seconds remaining in the period, sending Boston into the second intermission with a 5-2 advantage.<\/p>\n

The Bruins did give Buffalo five power-play opportunities, including three in the opening period. The Sabres scored twice with the man advantage, giving Boston\u2019s coaching staff an area to address before its next game.<\/p>\n

Still, the opening result was overwhelmingly encouraging.<\/p>\n

Boston scored six goals, received production from several prospects and watched Hagens deliver the type of performance expected from one of the organization\u2019s most important young players.<\/p>\n

The Bruins will return to action Monday at noon ET. The game can be streamed through the Bruins + TD Garden App and BostonBruins.com.<\/p>\n

More Bruins<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n