The Bruins face the Sabres in Game 1 of the NHL playoffs, returning to postseason action under new coach Marco Sturm. The Bruins, seen as underdogs, will challenge the Sabres, who topped the Atlantic Division with 109 points.
After a year away from the postseason, the Bruins will return to the playoff stage when they hit the ice on Sunday night for Game 1 against the Sabres.
Under first-year head coach Marco Sturm, Boston has found success with a structured, defensive-first mentality that relies on the brilliance of goaltender Jeremy Swayman. The Bruins will be the underdog in the first round, though, as they are going head-to-head with a Sabres squad that led the Atlantic Division with 109 points.
Both the Bruins and Sabres defied expectations this season, and now, the two contenders will battle in the postseason for the ninth time. The atmosphere in Buffalo will certainly be electric, as Sabres fans are ready to watch playoff hockey for the first time in 14 years.
Follow along right here for live updates from Game 1 between the Bruins and Sabres.
Bruins vs. Sabres score
Q&A
What was the score of the Bruins vs. Sabres Game 1 playoff match?
The score of the Bruins vs. Sabres Game 1 playoff match is not provided in the excerpt.
Who is the head coach of the Bruins during the playoffs?
The head coach of the Bruins during the playoffs is Marco Sturm.
How did the Bruins perform in the regular season compared to the Sabres?
The Bruins are considered underdogs, while the Sabres led the Atlantic Division with 109 points.
Who is the key goaltender for the Bruins in the playoffs?
The key goaltender for the Bruins in the playoffs is Jeremy Swayman.
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Bruins vs. Sabres live updates, highlights from Game 1
**6:35 p.m.:**Boston is on-site in Buffalo, with puck drop an hour away.
**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 32â6â2 run âthe 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 360Â 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:Â Sunday, April 19
Time:Â 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.
