Sabres, Bruins Playoff Clash Promises Intensity

Home ice, special teams, lineup options and the potential for nastiness highlight the first-round matchup.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey playoff game between the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins, with overlapping planes of blue, gold, black, and white representing the players and action on the ice.The first-round playoff clash between the Sabres and Bruins promises an intense, physical battle as the teams' contrasting styles collide on the ice.Boston Today

The Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins are set to meet in the first round of the NHL playoffs, with the Sabres holding home-ice advantage. The series features intriguing storylines, including the Sabres' struggling power play, the potential for physical play, and injury questions for both teams. The Sabres will look to capitalize on their strong home record, while the Bruins aim to continue their success on the road.

Why it matters

This series between the Sabres and Bruins promises to be a hard-fought and intense matchup, with both teams looking to advance in the playoffs. The Sabres will be playing their first home playoff games since 2011, which should create an electric atmosphere at KeyBank Center. The physical nature of the Bruins and the Sabres' need to stay disciplined will be a key factor, as will the performance of special teams and the health of key players.

The details

The Sabres earned home-ice advantage by winning the division, and they will look to capitalize on their strong 26-10-5 record at home this season. The Bruins, meanwhile, were a more pedestrian 16-16-9 on the road. Buffalo's power play has struggled of late, going 0-for-22, but they'll look to get it going against Boston's 24th-ranked penalty kill. The Bruins have built their roster with toughness in mind, led by players like Nikita Zadorov and Marc Kastelic, and the potential for physical play and bad blood is high. Injury questions also loom, with the status of Sabres forwards Noah Ostlund and Sam Carrick uncertain.

  • The Sabres and Bruins will open their first-round playoff series on April 18, 2026.
  • The Sabres went 0-1-1 against the Bruins in two October meetings earlier this season.

The players

Nikita Zadorov

A Bruins defenseman known for his physical play and agitation, having delivered late hits, fought, and had on-ice confrontations with opposing players.

Marc Kastelic

A Bruins fourth-line forward who, along with Zadorov, has combined for 24 major penalties and 358 total penalty minutes this season, leading the league.

Tanner Jeannot

A physical Bruins forward who has contributed to the team's toughness this season.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

The Sabres' starting goaltender for the playoffs.

Noah Ostlund

A Sabres rookie forward who has been dealing with an upper-body injury and is questionable for the start of the series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are bigger, stronger. We are more physical. We just have to be smart, but we're gonna go after them.”

— Marco Sturm, Bruins Head Coach

“That's his take on his team. I have a lot of respect for what our team has done and how we play and the speed we play the game. They've got a good team. They know who they are, and we know who we are.”

— Lindy Ruff, Sabres Head Coach

“Our fans have done just such an amazing job of the atmosphere they've brought. I really have no idea how much more they can bring, and I'm sure they're gonna find a way, so we're really looking forward to playing in front of them.”

— Beck Malenstyn, Sabres Player

“I feel that they've gone through some training; it's been playoff atmosphere and the fans have been electric inside this building. It will probably get to a little higher level, but it'll be part of what we learn to grow with.”

— Lindy Ruff, Sabres Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This series between the Sabres and Bruins has the potential to be a hard-hitting, physical affair, with the Sabres looking to capitalize on their home-ice advantage and strong regular-season performance, while the Bruins aim to use their size and toughness to their advantage. The performance of special teams and the health of key players will be crucial factors in determining the outcome.