What to KnowVisit our Bruins page on NBCSportsBoston.com for complete coverage throughout the playoffs.The Bruins and Sabres will meet in the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 first round (BOS won 4-2). Bruins top prospect James Hagens will make his playoff debut.The Sabres’ last playoff appearance was in 2011.Jeremy Swayman (Bruins) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sabres) is the expected goalie matchup.
It’s very possible that the most exciting and intense first-round series in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be the matchup between the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres.
The Bruins are back in the playoffs after failing to qualify last season, while the Sabres are making their first postseason appearance since 2011. It’s been a long wait for playoff hockey in Buffalo, so you can bet the atmosphere at KeyBank Center for Sunday night’s Game 1 will be absolutely electric.
Despite a lack of playoff experience, the Sabres are the favorites to win the series. They have a deep, talented roster. They also have home ice advantage. But the B’s have beaten expectations all season. Boston also has an elite goaltender in Jeremy Swayman. The last time we saw Swayman in a first-round series was 2024 when he dominated the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Will Swayman lead the Bruins to a series-opening win, or will the Sabres earn their first playoff victory in 15 years?
Follow Bruins-Sabres Game 1 with our live blog below for analysis, video highlights, postgame reaction and more: