The Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres open Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series Sunday in Buffalo, with the Sabres entering as Atlantic Division champions.
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Buffalo finished the regular season at 50-23-9 (109 points) to win the Atlantic Division, while Boston earned the top wild-card spot at 45-27-10 (100 points).
Game 1 will be played in Buffalo, as the Sabres hold home-ice advantage in the series. The Sabres have been one of the NHL’s hottest teams down the stretch, clinching the division after a dominant second half and ending a 14-year playoff drought, while Boston surged late to lock in its postseason return after missing last year.
This matchup has been tight all season. Boston won 3 of 4 regular-season meetings, including a 4–3 overtime win in March, but Buffalo enters with the stronger overall profile, averaging 3.45 goals per game while allowing just 2.93 goals per game.
The Bruins lean on David Pastrňák and a resurgent Jeremy Swayman in net, while the Sabres counter with a high-powered attack led by Tage Thompson and a deep roster that’s driven their late-season surge.
With home ice and momentum, Buffalo enters Game 1 as the slight favorite, but Boston’s experience and edge in the season series set up what should be a tightly contested opener.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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