The Buffalo Sabres are set to face the Boston Bruins in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for either Saturday or Sunday.
As Atlantic Division champions, Buffalo will host the first two games at KeyBank Center before the series shifts to TD Garden for Games 3 and 4. If necessary, Games 5 and 7 would return to Buffalo. This marks the ninth postseason meeting between the longtime rivals, with the full schedule expected to be announced Thursday.
The regular-season series offered little separation between the teams. Boston held a slight 12-11 edge in total goals across four games, while Buffalo earned three of a possible four points on home ice, including a 4-1 win on December 27. Tage Thompson led the Sabres with five assists, while Jason Zucker scored three goals. For Boston, David Pastrnak paced the attack with six points. The Bruins’ success often starts in net, where Jeremy Swayman has delivered a strong season, posting a .906 save percentage and a 2.76 goals-against average.
Boston’s lineup features dangerous scoring depth, led by Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie on the top line, while a steady second unit has consistently produced throughout the season. However, the Bruins have been far less dominant away from home, posting a .500 road points percentage compared to one of the league’s best marks at TD Garden.
Special teams could prove decisive, as Boston’s power play has cooled significantly in recent weeks and its penalty kill has struggled, giving Buffalo an opportunity to capitalize.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].