Bruins Confident Heading Into Playoffs Against First-Place Sabres

Boston's 45 wins and 100 points have them feeling good about their chances against the division leaders.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a hockey game between two teams, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the competitive nature of the playoff matchup.The Bruins' playoff matchup with the division-leading Sabres promises an intense, high-stakes clash between two of the East's top teams.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins have earned a playoff berth after a strong 45-win, 100-point regular season. They will face off against the first-place Buffalo Sabres in the opening round, and the Bruins are feeling confident about their chances despite the Sabres' regular season success.

Why it matters

The Bruins-Sabres playoff matchup pits two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference against each other, with the winner gaining an early advantage in the postseason. Boston's regular season success has them believing they can knock off the division leaders, setting up an intriguing first-round series.

The details

The Bruins finished the regular season with 45 wins and 100 points, earning them a playoff spot and a first-round matchup with the Buffalo Sabres, who won the division with an even better record. Despite the Sabres' regular season dominance, the Bruins feel they have the talent and experience to pull off the upset in the opening round.

  • The Bruins and Sabres will begin their first-round playoff series this weekend in Buffalo.

The players

Boston Bruins

An NHL hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts that has qualified for the playoffs after a strong 45-win, 100-point regular season.

Buffalo Sabres

An NHL hockey team based in Buffalo, New York that won their division and earned the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

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The takeaway

The Bruins' impressive regular season has them feeling confident they can knock off the division-winning Sabres in the opening round of the playoffs, setting up an intriguing postseason matchup between two of the Eastern Conference's top teams.