Sabres Captain Rasmus Dahlin Ready for First Playoff Appearance

Buffalo star set to make postseason debut against Boston Bruins

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:26pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intensity and movement of a hockey game, with fragmented, overlapping planes representing the players and action on the ice.Rasmus Dahlin and the Buffalo Sabres face off against the veteran Boston Bruins in a high-stakes first-round playoff clash.Buffalo Today

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin will play in his first Stanley Cup Playoffs game on Sunday when the Sabres host the Boston Bruins in a first-round matchup at KeyBank Center. The 22-year-old defenseman is making his long-awaited playoff debut after leading the Sabres to their first postseason berth in seven years.

Why it matters

Dahlin's playoff debut is a significant milestone for the Sabres franchise, which has struggled to reach the playoffs in recent seasons. As the team's captain and top defenseman, Dahlin's performance will be crucial in determining how far Buffalo can advance in the postseason.

The details

Dahlin, the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, has emerged as one of the league's elite defensemen, recording 15 goals and 53 assists in the regular season to lead the Sabres in scoring. The young Swede will be tasked with shutting down the Bruins' potent offense, led by veteran forwards Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.

  • The Sabres-Bruins first-round series begins on Sunday, April 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
  • Dahlin will be making his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in this game.

The players

Rasmus Dahlin

The 22-year-old captain of the Buffalo Sabres and one of the NHL's elite defensemen, making his first career playoff appearance.

Boston Bruins

The Sabres' first-round opponent, a perennial playoff contender led by veteran forwards Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.

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What they’re saying

“Have fun. Compete like crazy. That's the mindset I'm going in with.”

— Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres Captain

What’s next

The Sabres and Bruins will play a best-of-seven series, with the winner advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

Rasmus Dahlin's playoff debut marks a significant milestone for the Sabres franchise, as the young defenseman looks to lead Buffalo on a deep postseason run and prove he can elevate his game on the biggest stage.