Dalton

The Reading Royals, the Bruins’ ECHL affiliate, are headed to the second round of their playoffs thanks to another fantastic performance by goaltender Matt Dalton.

Dalton’s 38-save performance in a series-clinching win over Cincinnati was one of a number of starring performances by Bruins prospects in the minor leagues Saturday.

The Royals closed out the best-of-five series in just four games and now advance to face Kalamazoo starting Friday. Dalton (a free agent signee in April 2009) posted a 3-1 record with a shutout and a save percentage of .932.

Meanwhile at Springfield, a couple of the Providence (AHL) farm club’s newest editions enjoyed solid performances in a 3-2 win over the Falcons.

Center Ryan Spooner (2nd round, 2010), who recorded an assist in his pro debut Friday, scored his first AHL goal. And Carter Camper, who just arrived after signing as a free agent out of Miami University, notched his first assist. Camper was named a Second Team All-America Friday.

Jared Knight (2nd round 2010), who notched his first assist Friday, added a second assist Saturday. Defenseman Ryan Button (3rd round 2009) also recorded his first pro point, an assist, against Springfield.

The P-Bruins finish their season today at home against Manchester.

All the promising performances by Boston’s prospects can soften the blow of knowing that former Bruins first-round pick Joe Colborne began his NHL career last night in Toronto. The center notched his first NHL assist in his debut for the Leafs, who dropped their season finale to Montreal.