Sabres rally in Boston to take 2-1 lead
PUBLISHED Apr 23, 2026, 11:34 PM ET
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Boston — The Buffalo Sabres rallied at TD Garden on Thursday, overcoming a missed Bruins penalty shot and a 1-0 deficit to defeat the Boston Bruins 3-1 and take a 2-1 lead in the first-round NHL playoff series. Key plays included Bowen Byram’s tying goal and Alex Tuch’s third-period go-ahead score. The Sabres’ win, anchored by Alex Lyon’s 24 saves in his first postseason start, shifted home-ice advantage back to Buffalo and leaves the Bruins needing a victory in Sunday’s Game 4 to ensure another home game; Noah Ostlund added an empty-net goal to secure the final margin late in regulation.
By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Earlier in the season, Buffalo Sabres clinched the Atlantic Division, ending a 14-year playoff drought.
- Tuesday: Bruins won Game 2 at KeyBank Center, temporarily seizing home-ice advantage.
- Thursday: Game 3 at TD Garden — Bruins led early, Arvidsson missed a penalty shot at 9:50 of the second period.
- Sixty-eight seconds after the missed penalty shot, Bowen Byram tied the game; Alex Tuch scored in the third period.
- Noah Ostlund scored an empty-net goal late; Buffalo won 3-1 and leads series 2-1; Game 4 scheduled Sunday.
News Intelligence
- This game is a big deal for Buffalo Sabres fans. After a 14-year playoff drought, the Sabres are back in the game. They've taken the lead in the series and regained home-ice advantage. If you're a fan, Sunday's Game 4 is a must-watch.
- Articles Published:
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The Buffalo Sabres organization benefited immediately by regaining home-ice advantage in the series and securing a 2-1 lead, improving team momentum and playoff positioning.
The Boston Bruins and their supporters suffered a loss of momentum and the pressure of needing a Game 4 victory to retain home-ice advantage in the series.
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Sabres rally in Boston to take 2-1 lead
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