Sabres Stun Bruins with 4 Late Goals in Playoff Opener

Buffalo rallies from 2-goal deficit in final 8 minutes to win Game 1 over Boston

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:19am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp geometric shapes in shades of blue, white, and red representing the players, puck, and ice.The Sabres' stunning third-period rally against the Bruins in Game 1 is captured in a fragmented, cubist-inspired illustration.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres overcame a two-goal deficit in the final eight minutes to beat the Boston Bruins 4-3 in the opening game of their NHL playoff series. Mattias Samuelson scored the game-winning goal with 3:24 remaining, while Tage Thompson scored twice in a 3:42 span to tie the game before Alex Tuch sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.

Why it matters

This was the Sabres' first playoff appearance in 15 years, and the comeback victory over the heavily favored Bruins sets up an exciting series between the two division rivals. The Sabres' ability to rally late showcases their resilience and could provide momentum heading into the rest of the playoffs.

The details

The Bruins had built a 3-1 lead by the early third period, but the Sabres stormed back with four unanswered goals in the final frame. Tage Thompson scored twice in quick succession to tie the game at 3-3, and Mattias Samuelson netted the game-winner with just over 3 minutes left. Alex Tuch added an empty-net goal to seal the victory for Buffalo.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • The Sabres scored four unanswered goals in the third period to rally from a 3-1 deficit.

The players

Mattias Samuelson

The Sabres forward scored the game-winning goal with 3:24 remaining in the third period.

Tage Thompson

The Sabres forward scored two goals in a 3:42 span to tie the game in the third period.

Alex Tuch

The Sabres forward scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory for Buffalo.

Boston Bruins

The heavily favored Bruins were upset by the Sabres in the playoff opener.

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres rallied from a two-goal deficit in the third period to win their first playoff game in 15 years.

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What they’re saying

“We never gave up. That's the kind of team we are - we fight until the end.”

— Mattias Samuelson, Sabres forward

“That was a tough one to swallow. We had them on the ropes, but they showed a lot of fight to come back like that.”

— Patrice Bergeron, Bruins captain

What’s next

Game 2 of the series will be played on Tuesday, April 22nd in Buffalo.

The takeaway

The Sabres' dramatic comeback victory over the heavily favored Bruins in Game 1 showcases the team's resilience and sets the stage for an exciting playoff series between these two division rivals.