The NHL has officially dropped the puck on the schedule for a highly-anticipated first-round playoff clash. The Boston Bruins are set to renew hostilities with the Buffalo Sabres, reviving a dormant postseason rivalry that hasn't been seen since 2010.
That year, the Bruins dispatched the Sabres in six games, adding another chapter to their eight-series playoff history. Now, over a decade later, these Original Six and Atlantic Division foes are ready to write a new one.
The action kicks off this Sunday, April 19th, at 7:30 p.m. in Buffalo's KeyBank Center. For fans planning their viewing parties, here’s the full series slate:
Game 1: Sunday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. @ Buffalo (KeyBank Center)
Game 2: Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. @ Buffalo (KeyBank Center)
Game 3: Thursday, April 23, 7:00 p.m. @ Boston (TD Garden)
Game 4: Sunday, April 26, 2:00 p.m. @ Boston (TD Garden)
Potential Games 5, 6, and 7 are scheduled for April 28th, May 1st, and May 3rd, with times and broadcast details to be determined.
This series marks a dramatic turnaround for the Bruins, who finished the regular season with a strong 45-27-10 record under first-year coach Marco Sturm. It's a stark contrast to last year's campaign, where they tied for the worst record in the East. Now, with their playoff gear on and a classic rival in their path, Boston looks to channel that regular-season momentum into a deep postseason run.
