The Sabres are on the verge of their first playoff series win since 2007, but the Bruins have gained momentum after winning two of three games in Buffalo. Game 6 will be crucial for the Sabres to clinch the series.
Key points
Sabres close to first playoff series win since 2007
Bruins won two out of three games in Buffalo
Game 6 is crucial for the Sabres
Sabres had back-to-back wins in Boston
Series is currently tied
SabresBruinsStanley Cup playoffs
Sabres close to clinching first series win since 2007, but pressure is rising
After winning in Buffalo for the second time in three tries in their Eastern Conference first-round series, the Bruins look to bottle up their solid road play as the scene shifts back to Boston for the final time.
At the same time, Game 6 on Friday marks a second opportunity for the Sabres -- who cruised to back-to-back wins in Boston, including a decisive 6-1 contest last Sunday -- to close out the best-of-seven series and advance in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2007.
Bruins force Game 6 with season-saving OT win
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon watches as Boston Bruins center Marat Khusnutdinov and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin go after the puck during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. The Sabres lost in OT, 2-1.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin clears the puck as he gets checked by Boston Bruins center Michael Eyssimont during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. The Sabres lost in OT, 2-1.
Q&A
When was the last time the Sabres won a playoff series?
The Sabres last won a playoff series in 2007.
What is the current status of the Sabres vs. Bruins series?
The series is tied, with the Sabres needing one more win to advance after winning two games in Boston.
What happened in Game 5 of the Sabres vs. Bruins series?
The Bruins won Game 5, putting pressure on the Sabres as they head into Game 6.
Where will Game 6 of the Sabres vs. Bruins series be played?
Game 6 will be played in Boston.
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Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin reacts after scoring a goal during the first period against the Boston Bruins in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. The Sabres lost in OT, 2-1.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Conor Timmins plays the puck as Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm defends during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
Boston Bruins center Casey Mittelstadt tries to block a shot by Buffalo Sabres center Peyton Krebs during overtime in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. The Sabres lost in OT, 2-1.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period against the Boston Bruins in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram skates with the puck as Boston Bruins center Michael Eyssimont defends during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period against the Boston Bruins in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Logan Stanley defends as Boston Bruins center Michael Eyssimont takes a shot on Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
The Boston Bruins celebrate a win in overtime against the Buffalo Sabres in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
Buffalo Sabres right wing Josh Doan controls the puck as Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke defends during overtime in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
1 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon watches as Boston Bruins center Marat Khusnutdinov and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin go after the puck during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. The Sabres lost in OT, 2-1.
1 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon watches as Boston Bruins center Marat Khusnutdinov and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin go after the puck during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. The Sabres lost in OT, 2-1.
2 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin clears the puck as he gets checked by Boston Bruins center Michael Eyssimont during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. The Sabres lost in OT, 2-1.
3 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin reacts after scoring a goal during the first period against the Boston Bruins in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. The Sabres lost in OT, 2-1.
4 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Conor Timmins plays the puck as Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm defends during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
5 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Boston Bruins center Casey Mittelstadt tries to block a shot by Buffalo Sabres center Peyton Krebs during overtime in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. The Sabres lost in OT, 2-1.
6 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period against the Boston Bruins in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
7 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram skates with the puck as Boston Bruins center Michael Eyssimont defends during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
8 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period against the Boston Bruins in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
9 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Logan Stanley defends as Boston Bruins center Michael Eyssimont takes a shot on Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
10 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
The Boston Bruins celebrate a win in overtime against the Buffalo Sabres in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
11 / 11
Sabres drop Game 5 in OT as Bruins extend playoff series
Buffalo Sabres right wing Josh Doan controls the puck as Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke defends during overtime in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center.
"It was an embarrassing effort in Game 4. That's not what our fans paid money for, to come and see us play that way," Boston defenseman Nikita Zadorov said. "We're glad we got that win (Tuesday) and have a chance to redeem ourselves."
It was only Pastrnak's second goal of the series, but it could not have come at a more crucial time. With the tally, he became the first-ever Bruin to score multiple overtime goals while the team faced elimination.
"There's only a few players I think who can do that. What I mean by that is not just the finish, but the way he doesn't go offside," Bruins coach Marco Sturm said. "... I'm just very happy because (Pastrnak) puts a lot of pressure on himself and he wants to be the difference. And (Tuesday) he was."
Similarly, goaltender Jeremy Swayman's sharpest performance of the series (25 saves on 26 shots) helped set the stage for Pastrnak's heroics.
Prior to Game 5, Buffalo's veteran players like defenseman Bowen Byram discussed the difficulty of banking a fourth win to close out a playoff series.
Ruff focuses on poise as Sabres near finish line
With 11 playoff newcomers dotting the Sabres roster, the team's lack of experience in such big-game situations could have had an impact on the latest result.
"I just sensed a little bit of nerves with our guys," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "Our puck play wasn't as good as in Boston, so just get them to relax, play our game and be ready to go."
Strangely, having another chance on road ice could be just what Ruff's team needs, as it won the first two games in Boston by a combined 9-2 score.
Playing a simple game on the road is a coach's cliche, but the Sabres have done just that so far in Boston. Their 24‑13‑4 road record ranked among the NHL’s best.
"It's part of the playoffs," Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon said. "It's one of the hardest things in the world, so we have to embrace that and we have to be on a mission when we go into Boston."
Injuries, returns shape Game 6 lineups
On the injury front, Boston's Viktor Arvidsson (upper body) and Buffalo's Noah Ostlund (lower body) are expected to be out of their teams' respective lineups for at least Game 6. Defenseman Logan Stanley missed Thursday’s practice due to illness and will be a game‑time decision.
However, the Sabres should have Josh Norris back after the centerman missed the past three games with a minor injury. He is likely to skate between Zach Benson and Josh Doan.
"For a period of time, that line was really good for us," Ruff said. "It's an opportunity where a guy like Norrie can just step up, and he could be a big difference maker for us."
