The Boston Bruins know they have to learn from their Game 1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
Boston led 2-0 early in the third period, but allowed four straight goals en route to a disappointing 4-3 loss. The Bruins looked like they were on their way to stealing Game 1, but Boston’s play struggled in the third period. Forward David Pastrnak said the team has to learn from Game 2.
"Obviously, a tough outcome,” Pastrnak said postgame on Sunday. “We had a good lead, we got the second goal early in the third, and didn’t get the job done. The will is there, it’s been there all year with this group. We just have to regroup again, come to work tomorrow, see what we did wrong in those last 10 minutes, and improve for Game 2.”
The Sabres scored three goals in just over four-and-a-half minutes in the third period to take the lead. It was a stunning result for the Bruins, and goalie Jeremy Swayman said the team has to flush it and make sure they play a full 60 minutes in Game 2.
“I think we just have to play a full 60,” Swayman said. “And they capitalized on their opportunities. It’s important and, you know, kudos to them. But every shift is so important and critical in a series, in a game like today. That’s just our job, to really take it one shift at a time to make sure that we’re capitalizing on ours and taking care of our zone.”
The Bruins will look to even up the series in Game 2 on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Boston Bruins suffered a disappointing 4-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series.
Boston went on the road against Buffalo, in what was an electric atmosphere as playoff hockey returned to Buffalo for the first time in 14 years. However, the Bruins did a good job early silencing the crowd, as the Bruins led 1-0 after the first and second periods.
Boston then took a 2-0 lead just 68 seconds into the third period, before the Sabres scored four-straight goals in just over six-and-a-half minutes. Although David Pastrnak did score with eight seconds left, it was a disappointing loss for the Bruins, as head coach Marco Sturm felt like the team was in the perfect spot to steal Game 1.
“I thought we were in the perfect spot,” Sturm said postgame on Sunday. “We were exactly where we wanted to play. Being in that position, five, six minutes left in the game. You could tell, they got a little bit frustrated and made pretty much two mistakes to let them tie up the game.
“It is a long series, and we’re prepared. We want to come here to Buffalo and get a win. We didn’t get it today, so we’re going to try our best to get it next game.”
It was a frustrating loss for the Bruins, who dropped Game 1, but there are some positives to take away heading into Game 2.
Boston will return to the ice on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET for Game 2 against Buffalo.
Two of the top teams in the Atlantic Division will collide when the Bruins take on the Sabres in the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs.
Boston clinched the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 100-point season, though it did stumble down the stretch. David Pastrnak and Jeremy Swayman will look to lead the Bruins to an upset against the division champions.
The Sabres are back in the playoffs for the first time since the 2010-11 season. Buffalo ended the regular season on a high note, winning four of its last five games on the way to 109 points, the second-highest mark in the conference.
Here is everything you need to know about Bruins vs. Sabres, including TV and streaming options for Game 1 of the first-round series.
How to watch Bruins vs. Sabres Game 1: TV channel, live stream
Bruins vs. Sabres will air locally on NESN. Game 1 will also be available to stream on NESN 360 and fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Bruins vs. Sabres Game 1 start time
Date: Sunday, April 19
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bruins vs. Sabres is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 19. Game 1 will be played at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.
Against the Atlantic Division champion Buffalo Sabres, the Boston Bruins appeared to have Game 1 — and the Buffalo crowd — exactly where they wanted them. Holding a 2-0 lead with just 10 minutes to play, Jeremy Swayman and the Bruins’ defense had held the Sabres scoreless for 50 minutes, a feat no team had accomplished against Lindy Ruff's squad since November.
But the silence at KeyBank Center didn't last. In a stunning late-game collapse, the Bruins watched their two-goal cushion evaporate as Buffalo erupted for three goals in a span of just 4:34. Alex Tuch’s empty-netter eventually iced a 4-3 victory for the Sabres, marking the franchise's first postseason win in 14 seasons and turning a potential Boston statement win into a nightmare series opener.
The Bruins opened the scoring, striking in the first period behind Morgan Geekie, who carried his 39-goal regular season momentum into the playoffs. Swayman remained dialed in with 27 saves through two periods, keeping the Buffalo attack stagnant well into the final frame. When Elias Lindholm tucked home an insurance goal early in the third, a statement 1-0 series lead felt within reach.
However, the Sabres' offense proved too explosive to be contained for the full 60 minutes. Tage Thompson sparked the rally, cutting the deficit in half with 7:58 remaining before ripping home the equalizer minutes later. The comeback was completed when Mattias Samuelsson found himself alone in the slot to give Buffalo its first lead of the night. While David Pastrnak bridged the gap to 4-3 late, the Bruins ran out of time.
For 50 minutes, Boston was the better team, operating with the precision of a road warrior. But in a blur of blue and gold, that defensive wall in front of Swayman — who finished the night with 34 saves — disintegrated. The Bruins must now regroup for Game 2 in Buffalo, where they will look to even the series or risk returning to Boston in a 2-0 hole.
Check out all the highlights from a wild Game 1 below as the Sabres took the series lead.
Bruins vs. Sabres score
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Bruins vs. Sabres live updates, highlights from Game 1
Final: Sabres 4, Bruins 3
10:27 p.m. GOAL: It's a Game 1 comeback win for the Sabres and a brutal loss for the Bruins.
Up 2-0 in halfway through the third period, Boston seemed to be in control. But, the Sabres rattled off four straight goals in rapid time to pick up the first win of the series.
The teams will return to the ice on Tuesday night, where Boston will look to even up the series.
Sabres 4, Bruins 3
10:24 p.m. GOAL: The Bruins have cut it to one with six seconds left.
It's Pastrnak, who opens his playoff account on a backhand shot to make the game 4-3. It might be too little too late for Boston, who makes it 4-3.
10:23 p.m.: The Sabres take a penalty with 15 seconds remaining, and the Bruins will have a power play.
But, this game is pretty much over.
Sabres 4, Bruins 2
10:21 p.m. GOAL: With Swayman on the bench, it's the Syracuse native Alex Tuch who ices the game for the Sabres.
Tuch chases down a loose puck and puts it into the empty net, giving the Sabres a 4-2 lead, as the Atlantic Division champions are closing in on their first playoff win in 15 years.
10:20 p.m.: With under two minutes left, the Bruins now need a goal.
Swayman heads to the bench and the extra attacker is out for Boston.
Sabres 3, Bruins 2
10:17 p.m. GOAL: The Sabres have their first lead of the series, storming all the way back from a 2-0 deficit to take the lead.
Mattias Samuelsson finds himself all alone up top and rips it past Swayman, and just like that the Sabres have scored three goals in four minutes to erase the deficit and take the lead.
It's loud at the KeyBank Center, and now the Bruins trail for the first time.
10:16 p.m.: There's another scrum after Pekka Luukkonen makes a save, and there are penalties after the play.
Though, it remains 5-on-5.
Bruins 2, Sabres 2
10:13 p.m. GOAL: This game is tied, and it't the same goalscorer: Thompson.
This time, he finds the puck right in front of Swayman and rips it to his left on a wrister, tying the game at two. Thompson's 42nd goal (regular and postseason) has brought Buffalo to life, and it's a brand new hockey game with less than five minutes left in the third.
10:09 p.m.: With 5:39 left in the third, the Bruins are leading 2-1.
As expected, this game is coming down to the wire.
Bruins 2, Sabres 1
10:05 p.m. GOAL: The Sabres are on the board, courtesy of their top scorer Thompson.
No. 72 finds the puck behind the net and wraps it around before Swayman can hug the post, cutting the Bruins lead in half. With 7:58 remaining, it's a 2-1 lead.
BUFFALO HAS IT'S FIRST PLAYOFF GOAL IN 15 YEARS AND IN BUFFALO FASHION, A BIG SCRUM BREAKS OUT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/nCqyb31DRi
A scrum breaks out after the goal, and the Buffalo crowd is LOUD.
9:59 p.m.: Halfway through the third, and the Buffalo offense is still looking to light the lamp.
Swayman made a few saves during the 10-minute mark, including one on Power. Though, Boston's defensive system has kept the Sabres offense, who was top-five in the NHL in goals this season, quiet.
9:51 p.m.: Six minutes into the third period, and Boston is in the drivers seat.
First, there's the insurance goal by Lindholm, followed by another kill. Buffalo's power play has been limited in its past three opportunities.
9:48 p.m.: With the power play winding down, Bowen Byram gets a shot from the point, but Swayman is in position to swallow the puck in his chest.
There's four seconds remaining on the power play.
9:46 p.m.: Buffalo will have a chance to cut the lead in half on the power play. Now, Pastrnak goes to the box for a slashing penalty, giving the Sabres their fourth man advantage of the game.
Bruins 2, Sabres 0
9:42 p.m. GOAL: There's the goal that gives Boston the cushion it needs.
The Bruins top line starts the third period in the offensive zone, and a Pastrnak pass to Geekie is saved, but Lindholm is there to bury the rebound. It's now 2-0 Bruins, with an early response by the Bruins.
It's Lindholm's 14th career playoff goal, and now the Bruins have some insurance in the final period.
9:41 p.m.: The third period is underway in Game 1.
The Bruins are looking to hold onto the narrow 1-0 lead with Buffalo outshooting them by a vast margin. Expect the Sabres to continue to press, which should give Boston a few counter attack opportunities.
End of the second period: Bruins 1, Sabres 0
9:21 p.m.: To end the second period, Swayman takes away another scoring chance from Owen Power, and the teams head to the locker room with the game 1-0.
The Bruins goaltender has 27 saves as Boston takes the lead into the third period. Only 20 more minutes stand between Boston and a statement Game 1 win. Though, Sturm's team would like some chances on the offensive end and a possible insurance goal.
Let's see how the final 20 minutes unfold.
9:18 p.m.: Now, Swayman makes a save on Thompson, keeping the Sabres scoreless. Though shots are 25-13 Buffalo, the Boston goaltender has been the great equalizer.
9:12 p.m.: It's a great kill by Boston, who allows zero Buffalo shots on the power play. The Bruins penalty kill is now 3-for-3, and the Sabres unit has not capitalized on its last 25 opportunities.
The clock goes under five minutes in the second with the game still 1-0.
9:09 p.m.: Buffalo is headed to the power play for the third time.
It's a holding penalty on Andrew Peeke, giving the Sabres their third man advantage of the game.
9:03 p.m.: Pastrnak has his second breakaway of the period, and this one is also saved by Pekka Luukkonen. Boston has had a few counter attack chances, but the Sabres goaltender has made every save but one.
8:58 p.m.: As the period continues, Buffalo has been on the attack. Boston has lacked offensive zone time since the Pastrnak giveaway.
At the 10:30 mark, Josh Norris has a chance, but it looked like a Bruins stick got in the way, and it stays 1-0.
8:52 p.m.: The Sabres have had their fair share of chances this period, now with Jack Quinn alone right in front of Swayman. But, the goaltender was in good position and made the save.
We're five minutes through the second.
8:49 p.m.: It's a prime opportunity for Pastrnak, who gets the puck behind defenders and has a breakaway. But, his backhander is saved by Pekka Luukkonen.
8:48 p.m.: Buffalo's power play is over, making both teams 0-for-2 tonight.
This one was a lot different for Boston, who got a few clearances and kept the pressure off Swayman.
8:44 p.m.: Now, Pavel Zacha takes a holding penalty, ending the Bruins power play.
It will be a 4-on-4 for 23 seconds, then Buffalo will have its second man advantage of the night.
8:42 p.m.: The second period is underway in Boston.
The Bruins lead 1-0 courtesy of the Geekie goal.
End of the first period: Bruins 1, Sabres 0
8:25 p.m.: Geekie had a prime opportunity to give Boston a 2-0 lead, but his eyes were down and he didn't see an empty net. The Sabres' goaltender had no chance if Geekie ripped it. But, instead, he chose to pass, and time expires in the first.
Still, the Bruins have a 1-0 lead behind Geekie's goal and Swayman's strong performance. Both teams head to the locker room and look to come out in the second period firing.
8:23 p.m.: The Bruins are heading back to the penalty, with Jason Zucker now taking a penalty for holding. The power play will go into the second period, if Boston doesn't score.
8:19 p.m.: It's a big kill for the Bruins, and now both teams are 0-for-1 on the power play. With three minutes left in the first, the Bruins are holding onto a 1-0 lead.
Swayman has 13 saves so far.
8:18 p.m.: Swayman picks up right where he left off in the playoffs, now making a save on Ryan McLeod, who burst from end-to-end to get right in front of No. 1.
He's made three saves this power play.
8:16 p.m.: There's some chaos in front of the Boston net. After Swayman makes a save, a scrum ensues as the Bruins goaltender is pushed into the net after the whistle is blown. There's 51 seconds left in the power play.
The puck ended up in the net, but not before the play was waved off.
8:13 p.m.: Now, the Sabres will head to the power play for the first time.
It's Nikita Zadorov going to the box for Boston, a two-minute penalty for cross-checking. For the first time tonight, the Boston kill takes the ice.
8:08 p.m.: Boston's had a fair share of shots during the power play, but Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has made the saves.
Now, Elias Lindholm gets shoved into the net fishing for a rebound and a scrum ensues.
8:04 p.m.: Now, Geekie creates more chaos in the offensive zone and drives the first penalty of the series. It's a hooking call on Dahlin, sending the Buffalo captain to the box and giving Boston the first power play tonight.
There's 7:57 remaining in the first.
Bruins 1, Sabres 0
8:02 p.m. GOAL: The Boston Bruins have the first goal of the series, and it's their leading scorer from the regular season.
That's Morgan Geekie, who had a career-high 39 goals. Here, he hits a one-timer after David Pastrnak's shot is blocked by Rasmus Dahlin and it goes into the net; Geekie picks up right where he left off, and it gives Boston the lead and silences the crowd.
7:15 p.m.: Puck drop is getting closer, and the Bruins aren't the only Boston team to play a playoff game today.
Earlier this afternoon, the Celtics took a 1-0 series lead with a dominating win over the 76ers at TD Garden. Then, the Celtics sent their luck to their TD Garden partners ahead of tonight's contest.
7:04 p.m.: If Boston is going to have a chance in the series, expect Jeremy Swayman to be a reason why.
Swayman enters the 2026 postseason boasting an elite career playoff save percentage of .922 and a 2.38 goals-against average across 20 appearances. He remains a cornerstone for Boston after a historic 2023-24 playoff run where he posted a .933 save percentage over 12 games, proving he can shoulder the weight of an entire series.
Following a bounce-back regular season with 31 wins, the recently crowned Olympic gold medalist is now tasked with neutralizing a high-powered Buffalo offense as he makes his fifth career postseason appearance.
6:55 p.m.: Buffalo isn't the only team to have exceeded expectations in this matchup. Enter the Bruins, who many thought would miss the postseason outright with a roster that looked like it was in a transition year.
Instead, Boston is back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with plenty of life.
“Never say die.”
The Sabres may have their burn book, but the #NHLBruins have receipts too.
6:34 p.m.: The Bruins are staring across the ice at a playoff opponent that feels entirely unfamiliar yet dangerously rejuvenated.
The 2025-26 Buffalo Sabres didn't just break the longest postseason drought in NHL history; they kicked the door down by finishing first in the Atlantic Division with a staggering 109 points. This wasn't a fluke of a season, but rather a dominant 50-win campaign where Buffalo sat among the league's top five offensive units, averaging nearly 3.5 goals per game.
The middle of the season saw the Sabres transform into a historical juggernaut, at one point embarking on a 32–6–2 run —the best 40-game stretch the NHL has seen in 30 years. Tage Thompson led the charge with a 40-goal season, while captain Rasmus Dahlin anchored a blue line that evolved from a liability into a position of strength, helping Buffalo secure their first division title since 2010.
What makes this iteration of the Sabres so terrifying is their ability to control the pace through elite skating and opportunistic finishing. While they struggled in the early weeks, they ended the year as one of the most efficient teams in the league, ranking 5th in shooting percentage (12.3%). With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen coming into his own between the pipes and a roster full of young stars like Zach Benson and Bowen Byram hitting their stride, the Sabres enter the first round not as happy-to-be-here underdogs, but as a genuine threat to hoist the Cup.
6:30 p.m.: It's time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
After one year away, the Boston Bruins have returned to the dance, putting up a 100-point season under first-year head coach Marco Sturm. The Bruins clinched the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, setting up a matchup with the Atlantic Division champion Buffalo Sabres in Round 1.
Tune in for live updates throughout the night as Boston gets its Stanley Cup Playoff campaign started.
How to watch Bruins vs. Sabres Game 1: TV channel, live stream
Bruins vs. Sabres will air locally on NESN. Game 1 will also be available to stream on NESN 360 and fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Bruins vs. Sabres Game 1 start time
Date: Sunday, April 19
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bruins vs. Sabres is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 19. Game 1 will be played at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.
The Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres open Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series Sunday in Buffalo, with the Sabres entering as Atlantic Division champions.
Dec 27, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) takes a shot on goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Buffalo finished the regular season at 50-23-9 (109 points) to win the Atlantic Division, while Boston earned the top wild-card spot at 45-27-10 (100 points).
Game 1 will be played in Buffalo, as the Sabres hold home-ice advantage in the series. The Sabres have been one of the NHL’s hottest teams down the stretch, clinching the division after a dominant second half and ending a 14-year playoff drought, while Boston surged late to lock in its postseason return after missing last year.
This matchup has been tight all season. Boston won 3 of 4 regular-season meetings, including a 4–3 overtime win in March, but Buffalo enters with the stronger overall profile, averaging 3.45 goals per game while allowing just 2.93 goals per game.
The Bruins lean on David Pastrňák and a resurgent Jeremy Swayman in net, while the Sabres counter with a high-powered attack led by Tage Thompson and a deep roster that’s driven their late-season surge.
With home ice and momentum, Buffalo enters Game 1 as the slight favorite, but Boston’s experience and edge in the season series set up what should be a tightly contested opener.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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Most Boston Bruins fans are in agreement that drawing the Buffalo Sabres in their first playoff series since 2011 is the best-case scenario in head coach Marco Sturm’s first season.
However, much of the mainstream media is backing the young and exciting Sabres to turn their first playoff berth into their first playoff win.
ESPN’s flagship NHL writer, Greg Wyshynski, doesn’t think it will be particularly close.
“I don't think the Bruins defend well enough to pull an upset here,” Wyshynski wrote. “Bruins coach Marco Sturm said this week that ‘we are bigger, stronger, and we are more physical.’ Even if that were true -- and a glance at the rosters says it isn't -- the Sabres showed in their epic regular-season battles against the Lightning that they can take a punch, wipe their mouths and score the next goal. Despite their postseason pedigree, they're ready for this.”
Wyshynski’s official prediction is that the Sabres will take this series in just five games, and I simply cannot get behind that.
I have no clue where Wyshynski is pulling this number from. The Bruins took the regular season series 3-1 with backup goalie Joona Korpisalo starting a majority of the games.
The Sabres only won five more games than Boston and ended the season with a very favorable schedule down the stretch. The Bruins have a chance to remind the young Buffalo squad what competing with playoff teams feels like, and, if Sturm’s quote was any indication, they’re looking forward to doing exactly that.
I believe the Bruins will have every opportunity to take this series and would be absolutely dumbfounded if it ends in five, as Wyshynski predicted.
Tension is building ahead of the NHL playoff clash between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins after comments from Bruins coach Marco Sturm.
Sturm claimed his team is “bigger, stronger, and more physical,” adding they plan to go after Buffalo in the series.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has now responded calmly to that message. He said Sturm’s comments reflect Boston’s identity, but Buffalo remains confident in its own style.
“You know, that’s his take on his team,” Ruff said. “I have a lot of respect for what our team has done and how we play, and the speed we play the game, and they’ve got a good team. They know who they are, and we know who we are.”
Players inside the Sabres locker room echoed that mindset. Forward Alex Tuch said physicality matters in the playoffs but insisted Buffalo will stay focused on its own game.
“Yeah, I mean, that’s his analysis of it,” Tuch said. “When it comes to playoffs, everyone’s gotta play big and strong to be able to win. So I think we have a lot of guys in here that are gonna up the physicality and, yeah, we’re just focused on us and trying to play our game, and not listen to any outside noise.”
Rookie Josh Doan also downplayed the remarks, admitting they are everywhere, but said the group trusts its system.
“Yeah, I think it’s, obviously, we’ve all seen it,” Doan said. “It is everywhere right now, but at the end of the day, I think our group trusts what we’re doing here, and we’ll just let that play out throughout the series, and we’re gonna stick to our game plan.
“So it’s one of those things that you see, but at the end of the day, there’s no real response from us in this room.”
Buffalo Sabres’ performance against the Bruins
The Boston Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres players get into a scrum at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Buffalo enters the playoffs in strong form after finishing first in the Atlantic Division. The Sabres posted a 50-23-9 record and carried momentum into the postseason. Their balanced attack, led by Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, has been crucial to their rise.
The Bruins, however, hold an edge from the regular-season series. Boston won three of four matchups, many decided by narrow margins. That history adds an interesting backdrop to an already intense rivalry.
Game 1 is set for April 19 in Buffalo. With contrasting styles and rising tension, this series promises a hard-fought battle from the opening puck drop.
The Boston Bruins know they can set the tone early against the Buffalo Sabres with their physical players.
Boston will take on the Sabres in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in an intriguing matchup. Buffalo snapped its 14-year playoff drought and will have home ice in the series, so the Bruins are expecting a rowdy crowd.
Yet, Bruins head coach Marco Sturm said he plans to utilize his grinding players early to set the tone.
“All of our big guys, starting with (Zadorov) on the backend, and then having Jeannot, Kasty and just guys being very physical and nasty. Without taking any penalties, that is going to be huge,” Sturm said after practice on Friday. “I think that could be a game-changer, that could be a series-changer, that could be a lot of things. We just have to be smart about it. Because I know a lot of teams, they’re afraid of us.”
Zadorov will play a key role for the Bruins on the backend and will also be tasked with playing a physical role early and often.
Ahead of Game 1, Zadorov is eager to return to playoff hockey and send an early message to his old team.
“I think that place is going to be nuts,” Zadorov said. “I think if you don’t enjoy it, you’re in the wrong sport or wrong place. That is playoff hockey, that’s pressure, that’s atmosphere, that’s intensity, physicality, blood, sweat, you name it. Everything is enjoyable.”
Game 1 between the Bruins and Sabres will take place on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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