Buffalo Sabres Prepare for First Playoff Game in 15 Years

The Sabres will host the Boston Bruins in the first round of the NHL playoffs at KeyBank Center.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:54pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game between the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins, with the players and arena rendered in sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant blue, gold, and black colors.The Sabres' first home playoff game in 15 years will bring an electric atmosphere to downtown Buffalo as the team battles the Bruins for a chance to advance in the NHL postseason.Buffalo Today

After a 15-year drought, the Buffalo Sabres are set to host their first playoff game at KeyBank Center since 2011. The Sabres, who won the NHL Atlantic Division, will face the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs in a best-of-seven series. With nearly 20,000 fans expected to pack the arena, the city is buzzing with excitement for the long-awaited playoff return.

Why it matters

The Sabres' playoff appearance is a major milestone for the team and the city of Buffalo, which has been starved for postseason hockey for over a decade. The game will bring an economic boost to downtown Buffalo and reignite the passionate fan base that has stuck with the team through tough times.

The details

The Sabres will host the first two games of the series against the Bruins on Sunday, April 19 and Tuesday, April 21. If necessary, they will also host Games 5 and 7. This will be the Sabres' first home playoff game since 2011.

  • The Sabres last hosted a playoff game on April 8, 2011.
  • Game 1 of the Sabres-Bruins series will be played on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • Game 2 will be played on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Buffalo Sabres

The NHL hockey team representing the city of Buffalo, New York. The Sabres won the Atlantic Division title to earn their first playoff berth since 2011.

Boston Bruins

The NHL hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins qualified for the playoffs as a Wild Card team and will face the Sabres in the first round.

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What they’re saying

“We'd love to share your photos of the party in the plaza, the Sabres watch party, and the in-game festivities. Please feel free to share your photos with us.”

— Ed Nice, Author

What’s next

The Sabres and Bruins will play Game 1 on Sunday, April 19 and Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. The series will continue with Games 3 and 4 in Boston, and Games 5, 6, and 7 (if necessary) will alternate between the two cities.

The takeaway

The Sabres' long-awaited return to the NHL playoffs has the city of Buffalo buzzing with excitement. After 15 years without a postseason game, the passionate fan base is ready to pack KeyBank Center and create a raucous atmosphere for the team's first-round matchup against the Bruins.