3 Sabres-Bruins bold predictions for 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

These two ancient rivals are meeting for the ninth time in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the first times since the Bruins registered a 4-2 series victory in 2010. The Sabres are making their first playoff appearance since the 2011 season, and they have had an explosive year.

While they were in last place in the Atlantic Division Dec. 9, they found their game and ended up in first place in the division. They have dominant scorers in Tage Thompson, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Tuch along with an excellent supporting cast that allowed them to overwhelm opponents on a regular basis.

The Bruins have also had a season of redemption. A year after they tied the Philadelphia Flyers with the worst record in the Eastern Conference, the Bruins shook off their malaise and earned the No. 1 Wild Card spot with 100 points. David Pastrnak is one of the best and most creative offensive players in the league and he scored 100 points for the fourth consecutive season, Charlie McAvoy has bounced back from a myriad of injuries to have a brilliant year with 11 goals and 50 assists. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman has been one of head coach Marco Sturm’s best performers.

The Sabres have authored one of the best stories in the league this year as they have overcome years of frustration and failure to become one of the best teams in the league. While playoff hockey is new for the Sabres, look for Thompson to show off his skill and lead an offensive surge in this series. Thompson scored 40 goals and he may have the most intimidating shot in the league.

In addition to his vicious wind up, he can also hit the corners with his wrist shot. Tuch lit the lamp 33 times and his quick release could be a difference maker in this series.

The Sabres will come out flying on home ice and overwhelm the Bruins in Game 1 of the series, putting on an offensive show and giving their home fans an easy victory.

Bruins have been there before and won’t give in

Even though the Sabres will look much the best in the series opener, Sturm’s team understands that one game does not a series make. The Bruins will turn up the defensive intensity and make sure that Game 2 is close.

This will likely frustrate the Sabres, many of whom won’t understand why they couldn’t get the same results in Game 2 as they did in the series opener. This game is likely to come down to the last five minutes of the third period or overtime.

The Bruins will feel good about their effort and look for Pastrnak to set up hard-shooting Morgan Geekie (team-leading 39 goals) for a late score that gives the visitors a key victory and squares the series.

Once the Bruins tie it up with a road triumph, they will have the advantage. Boston has been one of the best home teams in the NHL and they will have a significant advantage. The Bruins have are making their 9th playoff appearance in the past 10 years and that will give them a significant edge. Pastrnak and McAvoy know how to handle adversity and the Bruins will take advantage of their home ice and build up a significant edge in the series by winning Games 3 and 4 at the TD Garden.

Depth and goaltending may make the biggest difference 

Both teams have gotten excellent seasons from their supporting cast. The Sabres look to Jason Zucker, Josh Doan, Jack Quinn, Ryan McLeod and Bowen Byram to come up with decisive plays. Zucker is a solid veteran who knows how to go to the front of the net and score. He has netted 24 goals and 21 assists this season. McLeod potted 14 goals and added 40 assists, while Josh Doan contributed 25 goals and 27 assists.

The Bruins are in much the same position because of their supporting cast. Pavel Zacha has had the most productive season of his career as he has scored 30 goals and added 35 assists, while veteran Viktor Arvidsson has found the back of the net 25 times and delivered 29 assists. Casey Mittelstadt, a former Sabre, has made a solid contribution with 15 goals and 27 assists.

Swayman is thrilled to get back to competing in the playoffs after a substandard season in 2024-25. He bounced back in excellent fashion this season with a 31-18-4 record, a 2.71 goals against average and a .909 save percentage. Swayman has been at his best at home this season and the Bruins defense should be able to give him a big assist when the Bruins get a lead in the third period.

The Sabres have to be happy with the goaltending performances of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon this season. Both gave Sabres coach Lindy Ruff far more dependable goaltending than the Sabres have received in year. Luukkonen will likely get the bulk of the playoff assignments after a 22-9-3 regular season, a 2.52 GAA and a .910 save percentage. Lyon will be miss the early part of the series with a lower-body injury.

The Bruins have the edge in net thanks to Swayman’s past playoff experience and they will take the series in 6 games.

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