Sabres Stun Bruins in Playoff Opener

Buffalo rallies late to take Game 1 in thrilling fashion

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:08pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with sharp geometric shapes in vibrant blues, reds, and whites representing the ice, sticks, pucks, and players' bodies in motion.The Sabres' stunning comeback win over the heavily favored Bruins in Game 1 has set the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling playoff series.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres pulled off a stunning comeback victory over the Boston Bruins in the opening game of their NHL playoff series, scoring four unanswered goals in the final eight minutes to win 4-3.

Why it matters

The Sabres' dramatic comeback win over the heavily favored Bruins to open the playoffs has energized the team's fanbase and set the stage for an exciting series between these two bitter division rivals.

The details

Trailing 3-0 late in the third period, the Sabres mounted a furious rally, scoring four goals in the final eight minutes to stun the Bruins. Tage Thompson scored two of those goals for Buffalo, sparking the comeback.

  • The game was played on April 20, 2026.

The players

Tage Thompson

A star forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored two crucial goals in the team's comeback win.

Boston Bruins

The heavily favored NHL team that was upset by the Sabres in the playoff opener.

Buffalo Sabres

The underdog NHL team that pulled off a stunning comeback victory over the Bruins in Game 1 of their playoff series.

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What they’re saying

“Just a ton of emotion, to be able to come back like that and get a win in Game 1, it's huge for our group.”

— Tage Thompson, Sabres Forward

What’s next

Game 2 of the series will be played in Boston on April 22, 2026.

The takeaway

The Sabres' thrilling comeback win over the Bruins in Game 1 has set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable playoff series between these two longtime division rivals.