Final: Bruins 3, Penguins 2 (OT)

BUFFALO, N.Y. – In the first game of the Prospect Challenge, the Boston Bruins finished with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the win did not come easy.

The Bruins erased a two-goal deficit before Jesse Gabrielle notched the game-winning tally in OT. Boston’s first period was sloppy but the players made the proper adjustments en route to victory.


Since the Bruins have a 28-man roster, the lineup will change for each game during the round-robin tournament. Game 1 healthy scratches were Anders Bjork, Jake DeBrusk, Sean Kuraly, Alex Gacek, Charlie McAvoy, Rob O’Gara and Ethan Sakowich.

Here are some overall observations from the game:

• Gabrielle, who recorded 35 goals and 29 assists for 64 points in 61 games for Prince George of the WHL last season, had a breakaway but mishandled the puck in overtime before eventually scoring later in the shift. “When I missed it I just wanted to get back so it wasn’t an odd-man rush,” Gabrielle said.


• Forward Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson scored the game-tying goal early in the third period, but he needs to shoot the puck more. He’s a smart player, reads the play well and supports the puck on the breakout. He was responsible in the defensive end.


• Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk was the best player on the ice and showed why he had success last season in the AHL. He also wore the ‘A’ on his sweater for the game.“As a coach, you try not to fall in love with guys, but you do and he’s a really good guy, a great kid and someone I really root for,” said P-Bruins coach Jay Leach. Grzelcyk posted 32 points in 70 games for Providence last season.


• Defenseman Connor Clifton had a tough first period with the puck but made the adjustments and finished well. He was physical and aggressive.


• Emil Johansson battled and was decent on the rush. Struggled a few times with the puck on the offensive blue line. Leach, a former defenseman, admitted these rookie games are tough on D-men because the play is all over the place.

• Forsbacka-Karlsson is strong on his stick.


• Forward Jack Studnicka scored Boston’s goal on the power play. He’s comfortable at the top of the circle on the PP and his goal showcased that ability.


• Froward Zach Senyshyn was strong on the backcheck and was physical in the second period.


• Invitee Kyle Keyser handles the puck well for a goalie.

• Undrafted forward Justin Hickman is using his size and strength. The 6-foot-2, 224-pounder is using his body to his advantage.


• Senyshyn is positionally sound and is trying to create time and space. He’s had a few bursts of speed when he controls the puck.


•  Grzelcyk had a solid first period. He was moving the puck well and was strong on the breakout. The 5-foot-9, 176-pounder isn’t afraid to throw his body around. He has strong puck possession skills.


• Forward Oskar Steen made a few strong plays with the puck in tight spots.