Sabres Stun Bruins in Epic Comeback: First Playoff Win Since 2011

The Buffalo Sabres’ return to the NHL Playoffs for the first time since 2011 was something you had to tune in for live. After years of waiting and trying to get over the hump, the 2025-26 edition of the Buffalo Sabres that won the Atlantic Division not only took a 1-0 series lead over the Boston Bruins to begin their first round series, but they did it in a way that nearly blew the roof off of the KeyBank Center.

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Boston looked like they had the game in hand, up 2-0 early on the Sabres. Goals by Morgan Geekie and Elias Lindholm made it appear like the game was out of reach with less than half the final frame remaining. Then the Sabres’ top guns started to crack Bruins’ goaltender Jeremy Swayman.

In a span of less than six minutes, the Bruins lead would disappear. It was suddenly a 3-2 game for the Sabres. Tage Thompson’s two goals would get Buffalo on the board and tie the game, while Mattias Sammuelson would put home what would ultimately stand as the game-winning goal.

Alex Tuch’s empty-netter would put the finishing touches on things, and although David Pastrnak would score late to make it a 4-3 game, it was too little too late for the Bruins.

It may have only been one game, but the Sabres showed in the series opener that this team will be a tough out. Buffalo has shown time and time again all season that they have the weapons to hang with anyone in the Eastern Conference, and now they have a golden chance to defend home ice.

Game 2 goes down on Tuesday at 7:30 PM Eastern Time before shifting to Boston for Games 3 and 4.

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