Bruins Blow Late Lead, Lose Game 1 to Sabres

Boston's collapse in the final minutes hands Buffalo a 4-3 victory in the series opener.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in progress, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, white, and gold representing the players, puck, and arena.The Bruins' collapse in the final minutes of Game 1 exposed defensive vulnerabilities that could haunt them if they don't shore up their play in their own end.Buffalo Today

The Boston Bruins squandered a 2-0 third-period lead, allowing four unanswered goals in the final eight minutes to suffer a devastating 4-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in Game 1 of their playoff series. The Bruins were in control for much of the game but completely fell apart defensively down the stretch, with Tage Thompson scoring twice and Mattias Samuelsson netting the go-ahead goal late in the third period.

Why it matters

This collapse is a tough blow for the Bruins, who were heavily favored against the Sabres and had a golden opportunity to steal home-ice advantage in the series. The Bruins' inability to close out the game raises questions about their mental toughness and defensive discipline, which could prove costly as the playoffs progress.

The details

The Bruins built a 2-0 lead early in the third period on goals by Elias Lindholm and David Pastrnak, but the Sabres stormed back with four unanswered goals in the final eight minutes. Tage Thompson scored twice, including the game-tying and go-ahead goals, while Mattias Samuelsson and Alex Tuch also found the back of the net for Buffalo. The Bruins had several chances to extend their lead but were unable to capitalize, and their defensive breakdowns in the closing minutes ultimately doomed them.

  • The Bruins took a 2-0 lead 1:08 into the third period.
  • Tage Thompson scored to make it 2-1 with 7:58 left in regulation.
  • Thompson tied the game at 2-2 with 4:16 remaining.
  • Mattias Samuelsson gave the Sabres a 3-2 lead with 3:21 left.
  • Alex Tuch scored an empty-net goal with 1:12 to play.

The players

Tage Thompson

A 6-foot-7 All-Star forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored two goals in the third-period comeback.

Mattias Samuelsson

A Sabres defenseman who scored the go-ahead goal late in the third period.

David Pastrnak

A star forward for the Boston Bruins who scored a goal in the loss.

Elias Lindholm

A Bruins forward who scored one of Boston's two goals.

Jeremy Swayman

The Bruins' starting goaltender who was unable to preserve the late lead.

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What they’re saying

“This one hurts. The B's had a 2-0 lead and were doing a good job taking the crowd of the game but, when the B's failed to clear their zone when they had a chance, the Sabres got on the board and it all fell apart from there.”

— Steve Conroy, Reporter

What’s next

The Bruins will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Sunday as they try to even the series before heading to Buffalo.

The takeaway

The Bruins' collapse in the final minutes of Game 1 exposed defensive vulnerabilities that could haunt them if they don't shore up their play in their own end. This loss will test Boston's mental toughness and ability to regroup as the series continues.