Analyst Shares Positive Prediction For James Hagens Ahead Of Playoffs

Boston Bruins forward James Hagens

Analyst Shares Positive Prediction For James Hagens Ahead Of Playoffs originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Bruins will begin the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Boston will go on the road to play the Sabres in an intriguing playoff matchup. Ahead of the series, a major question for the Bruins is whether James Hagens remains in the lineup.

The rookie forward made a good impact in the two games he played, and Bruins analyst Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic expects Hagens to be in the lineup in Game 1 of the first round.

“It’s about the feet,” Shinzawa wrote in an article published on Thursday. “It’s about the hands, vision, agility and creativity working in concert at high speed. It’s not about the age, inexperience, a body under construction or the pressure of the moment.

“James Hagens belongs. And not just in Games 81 and 82 for the Boston Bruins. All of his strengths make him a guarantee to play in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Buffalo Sabres.”

Hagens played in two games, recording an assist and was a +1, while he averaged 14:33 of ice time. The 19-year-old played on the third line alongside Fraser Minten and , and Bruins head coach Marco Sturm was pleased with how he played.