The Boston Bruins left St. Louis with another disappointing result Thursday night, but James Hagens made sure the evening would not be remembered entirely for the team's 4-1 loss. The 19-year-old rookie produced one of the most entertaining goals of Boston's young season, redirecting a Casey Mittelstadt feed through his legs and past Blues goaltender Joel Hofer.
It was the kind of play that immediately attracts attention, particularly when it comes from a young player still establishing himself at the NHL level.
But the goal was more than a highlight.
It also placed Hagens alongside Phil Kessel in a fascinating piece of Bruins history. For a franchise that has spent years searching for its next generation of offensive stars, that is a development worth watching closely.
Hagens Joins Kessel In Bruins Record Book
Hagens' first-period goal was his fifth of the season and the fifth of his NHL career. According to NHL.com, he matched Kessel as the fastest Bruins teenager in the past 20 years to reach five career goals. Both players accomplished the feat in 16 games.
That comparison is particularly interesting considering Kessel's eventual NHL career.
Kessel developed into one of hockey'...