Sabres defeat Bruins, advance to NHL second round
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Boston — The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 at TD Garden on Friday in Game 6, clinching the series 4-2 and advancing to the second round of the NHL playoffs. Alex Tuch and Mattias Samuelsson scored in the first period, Zach Benson added another early in the third, and Josh Norris finished the scoring with an empty-net goal.
Boston’s lone goal came from David Pastrnak and Jeremy Swayman made 22 saves as the Bruins were eliminated following a season in which they reached 100 regular-season points. Tempers flared late with a Benson–McAvoy incident at 1:31 remaining; Buffalo will face the winner of the Montreal-Tampa Bay series in the next round next week.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 2007 — Buffalo last reached the NHL second round.
- 2. 2025-26 regular season — Bruins compiled 100 points; Sabres won Atlantic Division.
- 3. Prior Tuesday — Bruins staved off elimination with a Game 5 win in Buffalo.
- 4. Friday night — Sabres defeated Bruins 4-1 in Game 6 at TD Garden to clinch series 4-2.
- 5. Post-Game 6 — Sabres advance to face the winner of the Montreal-Tampa Bay series.
Why it matters
The Sabres' win is a big deal for hockey fans. It's their first time in the NHL second round since 2007. If you're a Bruins fan, it's a tough loss after a strong season. For those who enjoy the drama, the Benson-McAvoy incident adds a spicy twist.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
