Bruins-Sabres Playoff Clash Pits Underdog vs. Villain

Boston and Buffalo renew old Adams Division rivalry in first-round matchup

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, and white capturing the dynamic action on the ice.The Bruins and Sabres renew their historic playoff rivalry, with Boston's experience clashing against Buffalo's young, talented roster.Buffalo Today

The Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres are set to face off in the first round of the NHL playoffs, reviving an old Adams Division rivalry. The Sabres are the 'great story' of the season, ending a 14-year playoff drought, while the Bruins are looking to prove they can overcome their underdog status and recent struggles. With high-end talent on both sides, this series promises to be a hard-fought battle between two teams with something to prove.

Why it matters

This playoff matchup between the Bruins and Sabres has historical significance, with the teams having faced off in several memorable postseason clashes over the years. The series also pits a Bruins team that had to rebuild quickly against a Sabres squad that has been painstakingly constructed through the draft. How these two teams handle the pressure of the playoffs could shape the narrative around each franchise going forward.

The details

The Bruins are led by a top line of Morgan Geekie, Elias Lindholm, and David Pastrnak, but they'll need more balanced scoring to overcome the Sabres' explosive offense. Buffalo boasts five 20-goal scorers, including the towering Tage Thompson. On defense, the Sabres have a formidable top-four anchored by Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, while the Bruins will lean on the steady play of Charlie McAvoy. In net, Jeremy Swayman gives Boston the edge, but Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has emerged as a capable starter for Buffalo.

  • The Bruins-Sabres playoff series begins on April 18, 2026.
  • Game 7, if necessary, will be played on May 2, 2026.

The players

Rasmus Dahlin

The Sabres' star defenseman and a top Norris Trophy contender, Dahlin anchors Buffalo's formidable top-four on the blue line.

Charlie McAvoy

The Bruins' top defenseman had his best offensive season and will be counted on to lead Boston's blue line against the high-powered Sabres.

Tage Thompson

Buffalo's leading goal-scorer at 40 goals, the 6-foot-7 Thompson will be making his playoff debut and looking to make an impact.

Jeremy Swayman

The Bruins' starting goaltender had a bounce-back season and will need to continue his strong play to give Boston a chance against the Sabres' offense.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

The Sabres' young goaltender has seized the starting job and will be tasked with backstopping Buffalo's playoff push in his first postseason action.

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What they’re saying

“If it is possible for a team to be both the underdog and villain in the playoffs, the Bruins are just the team to wear both hats in the upcoming playoff series against their old Adams Division rivals.”

— Steve Conroy, Author

“Buffalo is stocked with high-end draft picks. Their top four defensemen boast three top-five picks, including two first overall picks (Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power). Up front, they have six first-round picks.”

— Steve Conroy, Author

What’s next

The winner of the Bruins-Sabres series will face the winner of the Hurricanes-Islanders series in the second round of the 2026 NHL playoffs.

The takeaway

This first-round matchup between the Bruins and Sabres has the makings of a classic playoff battle, pitting Boston's playoff-tested experience against Buffalo's talented but unproven roster. The series will test whether the Sabres' long-term rebuild has finally paid off, or if the Bruins can overcome their underdog status and return to their usual spot among the Eastern Conference elite.