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Boston Bruins prospects start the ’17-’18 season off right with an OT win

By Chad Zimmermann

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 17: Fans help move the Bruins banner before the start of the first period against Ottawa Senators in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 17, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 17: Fans help move the Bruins banner before the start of the first period against Ottawa Senators in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 17, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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The Boston Bruins have their first win of the 2017-2018 season under their belt, and to make it more satisfying, it came against the defending champs…sort of.

It took overtime, but the Boston Bruins prospect team took down the rookies and prospects of the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday (Sept. 8) afternoon.

The two teams, along with the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, are participating in a Prospect Challenge round-robin tournament in Buffalo, NY.

The lineup for the Bruins prospect team for Game 1 victory yesterday was as follows:

After being outshot 14-4 in the 1st period, the Bruins were down 2-0 to the Penguins.  However, the team came out for the 2nd period firing on all cylinders.  In the 2nd, Jack Studnicka notched a power play goal, assisted by Matt Grzelcyk and Jeremy Lauzon (who interestingly enough, played in this game against his brother, Zachary Lauzon).  The Bs outshot the Pens 11-4 in the 2nd period, making up for the lackluster 1st period.

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 8: Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 8: Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson /

The momentum from the 2nd period carried into the final frame, and 1:01 into the 3rd period the game was tied up by a Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson goal.  Earlier this week I told readers to watch out for JFK, and he really looks like he came to play and earn a big club roster spot.

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A few weeks ago, when I did my Bruins season preview, I penciled JFK in as a 3rd line center.  He’s certainly making a case for that spot at the moment.

Neither team scored in regulation after JFK’s goal, so the teams went to 3-on-3 overtime.  In OT, Jesse Gabrielle, a 2015 4th round pick who played last season with the Prince George Cougars, notched the game-winning goal.  Not many people probably know Gabrielle or his game, but here’s how he describes himself:

"“I see myself as a versatile guy; I can put the puck in the net and play up and down the lineup,” said Gabrielle. “Now I’m just going to do whatever I can to help the Bruins win.”"

What’s on tap for the Black and Gold?

The Bruins prospects will take on the hometown Buffalo Sabres prospects tonight at 7:00 pm. Many of the “big name” players sat out Friday’s game against the Penguins.  So today, expect to see Anders Bjork, Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk, Rob O’Gara, and Sean Kuraly on the ice Saturday night.

It was reported by NHL.com writer and analyst Mike Morreale that each player in the tournament would play two of the three games, so expect to see these guys on the ice on Monday as well against the New Jersey Devils prospects.

The game Friday afternoon was streamed online by NHL.com courtesy of Pens TV.  The feed was a bit choppy, so it was somewhat rough on the eyes to watch.

Next: Boston Bruins rookie camp: What and who to watch for?

The game Saturday night will also likely be live-streamed, so be sure to check Twitter, or the Boston Bruins prospect website for details.

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