Boston Bruins
fromNBC Sports Boston
15 hours agoJames Hagens shows why he's NHL-ready in strong Bruins debut
James Hagens made a strong NHL debut, contributing to the Bruins' victory with a secondary assist and showcasing his 200-foot game.
Starter Daniel Padysak didn't even escape the first inning - two walks and a single loaded the bases, and then Bo Gyeong Moon unloaded them with a grand slam. The game got kind of closer (6-3) when Terrin Vavra hit a three-run homer in the fifth, but Korea's onslaught continued and the game ended with a 11-4 tally.
Like the rest of his teammates, the winger has found his stride since the holiday break, and it's come just in time for his return to Utah. Prior to joining the Maple Leafs, Maccelli spent the first four seasons of his NHL career with the Arizona Coyotes now turned Utah Mammoth organization. Suffice it is to say, he should have plenty in the tank for his first game back at Delta Center.
Is there more than 100%? he asked with a laugh after backstopping the U.S. past Germany in the round-robin finale. I feel good. It's pretty hot out there. I'm sweating a lot now I have to stand around and do a bunch of (interviews), so I'm going to chill now. I guess I'm at 99% right now as we speak. But, yeah, I feel good out there.
We're nearing conference tournament time, which means we're also nearing the time when coaches and players are paying attention to their NPI ranking - and hoping to be part of the NCAA tournament. The good news is it appears the Blackhawks' prospects playing in the college ranks right now are as healthy as they have been in a while.
After the skate, Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill provided a somewhat cautious update on Kaiser's status. He said Kaiser will not be available coming out of the break, but the coach does expect Kaiser to play again this season. That's good news. Kaiser, 23, ranks third among Blackhawks defensemen averaging 19:10 per game. He's emerged as a key part of the Blackhawks' exceptional penalty kill, averaging 2:00 per game short-handed.