BUFFALO – The Boston Bruins rookies got goals from Brett Harrison, Lucas Romeo and Adam Mechura, but lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets in overtime, 4-3, on the second day of the Prospects Challenge on Saturday.

In a contest that was spiced by three fights, the Bruins rallied from two goals down in the first period and one goal down in the third to force OT.

“It was spirited, there was a lot of good energy. The guys competed, which we wanted to see,” said coach Ryan Mougenel.

“I thought a lot of the nerves were out compared to the first game, but (there were) a lot of really good things. You could see a little bit of the separation from guys that have played (in the AHL), like (John Farinacci), and I thought Riley Duran was excellent.”

Here are notes on four players.

JACKSON EDWARD

Edward isn’t one of those players who lets his performance speak for itself. While walking the walk as an aggressive defender on the ice, he also talks the talk.

Sitting near ice level for Friday’s game against Pittsburgh, I heard Edward going at it verbally with the Pens players virtually nonstop. There was less chatter on Saturday, but Edward still directed a fair number of chirps in the direction of Columbus players.

“I just think it’s more fun when you get into the game. I’ve always been competitive. I just like to get into it,” he said after assisting on a third-period goal that tied the score.

Earlier in the game, Edward drew a roughing penalty for horse-collaring a Columbus player and throwing him to the ice.

Mougenel likes what he’s seen and heard so far from the former London Knights defenseman, who is ticketed for Providence this season.

“I think that’s a little bit of his game, for sure. I like the physicality, I like that he has juice. He plays the game with confrontation and I like that. As he goes along he’s going to have to realize that he has to back it up and that’s a whole ‘nother conversation, but he’s involved. He makes noise. I like it and we welcome it. He’s not dry toast,” he said.

Edward acknowledges there will be lessons to learn as a first-year pro.

“I still think I’m defining my game. I think I have tool sets in different areas of the game. I think that’s the main thing this year in pro is going to be defining my game. I think I defend well, I like playing (against) top lines. I can bring some offense and I think I have some to unlock. I like playing aggressive,” he said.

RILEY DURAN

Playing on a line with Farinacci and Brett Harrison, Duran turned in his second strong game in a row.

The former Providence College winger played well in the AHL after turning pro last spring and that’s continued in Buffalo.

“He looks faster in pro than he did in college, he plays faster. He plays with, not a reckless abandon, but there’s a tenacity. ‘I don’t have to worry about what’s happening behind me, I’m going to do my job.’ It’s freeing for him,” said Jamie Langenbrunner, Bruins assistant general manager, player personnel.

“He’s been very impressive here. He was impressive when he stepped into Providence, played well in the playoffs. He got a big opportunity playing pretty high in the lineup and really took it. He’s extremely strong in battles. His motor doesn’t stop.

“His ability to get in on the forecheck is something we desire in our group and you don’t have to ask him twice to do it. He gets there and causes the D to be under a little bit of duress, which is important. And he’s making enough plays. He’s a guy that’s probably ahead of where we would have placed him coming in and that’s great.”

JOHN FARINACCI

After playing 79 NCAA games across three years at Harvard, Farinacci played a total of 75 games in Providence as a first-year pro last season. He had a good start, but appeared to run out of gas in the second half.

“I won’t say it was unexpected that he was going to hit a wall,” said Langenbrunner.

To be more prepared for his second year, Farinacci trained all summer at Warrior Arena with head performance coach Kevin Neeld and his staff. Early returns are very positive.

“He’s had a really strong first two days here and been a very effective player. He looks stronger in battles, winning a lot of one-on-one battles. He looks stronger over the puck. He’s learning what it means to be a pro and being over the puck instead of reaching and getting away with it. I think in general even his first step maybe looks a little bit better. That’s an area that we knew and he knew that he has to focus on,” said Langenbrunner.

BRETT HARRISON

After scoring once on Friday, Harrison added another on Saturday.

His decision to spend the month of August in Boston preparing for the season is paying dividends.

“I’ve been skating there, working with (skills and skating coach Tom Ford). I feel a lot quicker and a lot stronger. I’m not getting pushed off in battles. That’s helped. And just the confidence, being in Boston a month early has gotten me used to all the guys. Skating with all the NHLers, I’ve gained confidence with them and I’ve just brought that on the ice here. I feel good. My body feels good,” Harrison said.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

New Jersey native John Farinacci on the late Johnny Gaudreau

“Growing up, I had a Johnny Hockey T-shirt from when he was at BC. In those days, I think every kid from New Jersey wanted to be like him.”