Sabres Ready for Playoff Debut Against Bruins

Buffalo's young stars eager for first taste of postseason action

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:48pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, crimson, and silver, conveying the intensity and physicality of the upcoming playoff matchup.The Sabres' young core faces a stern test against the veteran-laden Bruins in the NHL playoffs.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres are set to begin their first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins on Sunday, with several young players like Josh Doan, Jack Quinn, and Zach Benson poised to make their NHL playoff debuts. Despite the Bruins' physical edge, the Sabres are confident in their speed and game plan as they look to advance.

Why it matters

The Sabres' surprising run to the playoffs this season has energized the fanbase, and a strong postseason showing could further establish the team as a rising power in the Eastern Conference. How the young players handle the intensity of the playoffs will be a key factor in the series.

The details

Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff has been preparing his young stars for the playoff atmosphere, telling them 'it takes one shift to get playoff experience.' The team held its final pre-playoff practice on Saturday, with injured forwards Noah Ostlund and Alex Lyon both participating fully. The Sabres will lean on their physical fourth line of Josh Dunne, Jordan Greenway, and Beck Malenstyn to match the Bruins' size and strength.

  • The Sabres host Game 1 against the Bruins on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • Ostlund has been out since sustaining an upper-body injury on March 25.
  • Lyon has been sidelined since straining a muscle at the April 8 morning skate.

The players

Lindy Ruff

The head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, guiding the team to its first playoff appearance in several years.

Josh Doan

A rookie forward for the Sabres who is set to make his NHL playoff debut.

Jack Quinn

Another young Sabres forward poised to play in his first NHL postseason.

Zach Benson

A Sabres forward who will be experiencing the playoffs for the first time.

Bowen Byram

A Sabres defenseman with previous Stanley Cup winning experience.

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What they’re saying

“It takes one shift to get playoff experience, and once you get that one shift underway, then you should be ready to go.”

— Josh Doan, Sabres Forward

“I'm just really excited. I was thinking about it a little bit last night and it was a little harder to fall asleep. It's been an unbelievable season so far.”

— Alex Tuch, Sabres Forward

What’s next

The Sabres and Bruins will play Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The takeaway

The Sabres' young core is eager to make its playoff debut, and the team's speed and physicality will be key factors as they look to upset the veteran Bruins squad. A strong start to the series could propel Buffalo to an unexpected deep playoff run.