Buffalo Sabres defeated the Boston Bruins 4-3 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, overcoming a 2-0 deficit in the final eight minutes to secure the franchise’s first postseason win since 2011.
The comeback began with 6:46 remaining in the third period when Tage Thompson scored his first NHL playoff goal, a wrap-around shot that cut Boston’s lead to 2-1. Less than two minutes later, Thompson tied the game at 2-2 with his second goal of the period. Jack Quinn then found Mattias Samuelsson in the slot for a 3-2 lead, and Alex Tuch added an empty-net goal with 1:12 left to make it 4-2.
Boston responded with a late power-play goal from David Pastrnak with eight seconds left, but it was not enough as Buffalo held on for the win. Thompson finished with two goals, while Pastrnak and Bruins forward Morgan Geekie each recorded three points — Pastrnak with a goal and two assists, Geekie with a goal and two assists.
Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 17 saves, including two key stops on Pastrnak breakaways, while Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman stopped 34 shots. Buffalo outshot Boston 27-13 through two periods before the Bruins took control early in the third.
The rally marked only the second time in NHL playoff history a team overcame a multi-goal deficit in the final eight minutes to win in regulation, joining the 1940 New York Americans who did so against the Detroit Red Wings.
After the game, Thompson reflected on the team’s eight-year absence from the playoffs, saying the experience had prepared them for moments like this. “When you proceed eight years [with this team] without making playoffs, and then it’s finally here, the last thing you want is regret,” he said.
Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin praised Thompson’s performance, noting it aligned with the team’s internal mantra: “We always talk about how dogs have to be dogs. Today, [Thompson] showed up and led the team. That was special.”
Coach Lindy Ruff told his players the game would serve as a lasting lesson: “You want experience? You’ve got it now.” He added that for anyone experiencing their first NHL playoff game, “you’ve got a great story to tell.”
Bruins players acknowledged the collapse but emphasized resilience. Pastrnak said the team would review what went wrong in the final ten minutes and improve for Game 2. Geekie echoed that sentiment, noting the group’s belief in their ability to bounce back.
Swayman, despite the loss, was praised by teammates for his effort. Geekie called him “great” and said the team would continue to rely on his consistency moving forward.
How did the Sabres manage to score four goals in less than seven minutes?
Buffalo’s surge came through a combination of timely shooting, net-front presence, and Bruins defensive lapses. Thompson’s wrap-around goal and quick follow-up created momentum, while Quinn’s pass to Samuelsson and Tuch’s empty-netter capitalized on Boston’s aggressive push for an equalizer.
What made this victory significant for the Sabres franchise?
It marked Boston’s first playoff loss to Buffalo since 2010 and ended Buffalo’s 15-year playoff win drought, the longest active streak in the NHL at the time. The win also gave the Sabres a 1-0 series lead heading into Game 2.
