Sabres Earn First Playoff Win Since 2011 With Comeback vs. Bruins

Buffalo rallies from behind in final minutes to defeat Boston in Game 1 of opening round series.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:37am

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An extreme close-up of a hockey puck surrounded by a swirling, abstract expressionist painting of vibrant neon brushstrokes in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the raw emotion and intensity of a dramatic playoff hockey game.The Sabres' stunning comeback victory over the Bruins ignites a wave of euphoria and energy in Buffalo, as the long-suffering fanbase celebrates a rare playoff triumph.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres earned their first playoff victory since 2011 with a dramatic comeback win over the Boston Bruins in Game 1 of their opening round series. Trailing late in the game, the Sabres scored four unanswered goals in the final eight minutes to stun the Bruins and take a 1-0 series lead.

Why it matters

The Sabres have struggled to make the playoffs in recent years, so this victory represents a significant milestone for the franchise and its long-suffering fanbase. The comeback win also shifts momentum in the series and puts pressure on the heavily-favored Bruins.

The details

Trailing 3-1 with under eight minutes remaining, the Sabres mounted a furious rally, scoring four straight goals to win 5-3. Tage Thompson led the charge with two late goals, while Rasmus Dahlin and Jeff Skinner also found the back of the net for Buffalo.

  • The game was played on April 19, 2026.
  • The Sabres scored four unanswered goals in the final eight minutes of regulation.

The players

Tage Thompson

A 24-year-old forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored two crucial goals in the comeback win.

Rasmus Dahlin

The 21-year-old defenseman for the Sabres who contributed a goal in the late rally.

Jeff Skinner

A veteran forward for the Sabres who netted the game-winning goal in the final minutes.

T.J. Oshie

A forward for the Washington Capitals who discussed the Sabres' playoff victory and the NHL postseason landscape.

Alex Ovechkin

The longtime captain of the Washington Capitals, who Oshie speculated may be nearing retirement.

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What they’re saying

“Just a ton of emotion, the guys were fired up, the fans were fired up. It was an unbelievable atmosphere to be a part of.”

— Tage Thompson, Sabres Forward

What’s next

The Sabres and Bruins will play Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

The Sabres' dramatic comeback victory over the Bruins in Game 1 not only gives them an early series lead, but also represents a significant milestone for a franchise that has struggled to find postseason success in recent years. The win will energize the team and its fanbase as they look to advance past the opening round for the first time since 2011.