Bruins Collapse in Third Period, Lose Game 1 to Sabres

Buffalo rallies late to take series opener against Boston in NHL playoffs

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in motion, with overlapping planes of ice, sticks, and players in a dynamic, fractured composition using bold blues, reds, and whites to capture the intensity of the playoff matchup.The Bruins' third-period collapse exposed vulnerabilities in their veteran core, setting the stage for a tightly contested playoff series against the resilient Sabres.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins squandered a late lead, surrendering three unanswered goals in the third period to lose Game 1 of their Stanley Cup playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres. The Bruins had controlled much of the game before the Sabres stormed back in the final frame to steal the series opener.

Why it matters

The Bruins were heavily favored entering the playoffs, but this collapse raises questions about their ability to close out tight games against a scrappy Sabres team. Boston's veteran core will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling behind early in the series.

The details

The Bruins led 2-1 entering the third period, but the Sabres scored three unanswered goals in the final frame to rally for a 4-2 victory. Buffalo center Peyton Krebs scored the game-tying goal midway through the period, and winger Jack Quinn added the go-ahead and insurance goals late to seal the win for the home team.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • The Bruins led 2-1 entering the third period.

The players

Tanner Jeannot

Boston Bruins left wing.

Peyton Krebs

Buffalo Sabres center who scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

Jack Quinn

Buffalo Sabres winger who scored the go-ahead and insurance goals late in the third period to seal the win for the Sabres.

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What they’re saying

“We had them on the ropes, but let it slip away. We'll need to regroup and come out stronger in Game 2.”

— Patrice Bergeron, Bruins Captain

“I'm proud of the way the guys battled back. We knew we had them on the ropes if we could just keep pressing.”

— Kyle Okposo, Sabres Forward

What’s next

Game 2 of the series will be played on Tuesday, April 22nd in Buffalo.

The takeaway

This collapse raises concerns about the Bruins' ability to close out tight playoff games, especially against a scrappy Sabres team that refused to go away. Boston's veteran core will need to show its experience and poise to rebound in Game 2 and even the series.