The Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins are currently facing each other in the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs. This clash has been predicted as a tense and physical one because both teams performed brilliantly during the regular season, leaving them evenly matched.
The Sabres are one of the NHL’s youngest and fastest-rising teams, and they have been among the best this season. They have been a force to be reckoned with, finishing first in the Atlantic Division with a record of 50-23-9 for 109 points.
The Bruins, on the other hand, are one of the most powerful teams in the league, and they have continued their postseason appearances streak this year, too. The squad had a 45-27-10 record for a total of 100 points, securing the Eastern Conference’s first wildcard slot.
In their first encounter, the Sabres maintained their dominance and managed to stand tall in the end. They defeated the Bruins 4-3 after dominating the third period. The second game between the two teams will be played on Tuesday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
For fans looking to watch the game, here are all the platforms where they can enjoy the game:
In the USA:
- TV channels: ESPN
- Live streams: DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app
In Canada:
- TV channel: SportsNet
- Live stream: SNP 360, fubo
Game 2 will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET and will also be broadcast on the radio on WGR 550 at the same time.
Sabres Broke Some Major Records With Their Win Over Bruins
By making it to the playoffs this year, the Sabres broke their 14-year-long drought for postseason games. The team not only qualified, but it dominated and even won its first Atlantic Division title to get there.
From there on, the team continued its winning streak by clinching its first playoff game of the season. This was its first home win ever in the playoffs and its first 1-0 lead in the first round of playoffs overall since 2011.
The team was trailing, but Tage Thompson broke through with 3:42 left in the game. Thompson later stated that goals like that required a lot of experience to achieve. According to Spectrum Local News, he said:
“I think eight years of adversity is enough experience to get you ready for something like this. I think any time you go eight years not making playoffs and then it’s finally here, the last thing you want is regret. There’s just a heightened feeling of hunger. You just don’t want to let this opportunity slip. I thought tonight was really important to make a statement and set our standard.”
The Sabres currently have a lot of momentum, and with home ice advantage in the upcoming game, they might extend their lead even further.
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