David Pastrnak scored an overtime goal to lead the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 5 [1].
The win prevents the Bruins from being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, as they trailed the series 3-2 heading into the game [2, 3].
Pastrnak, a right winger for Boston, netted the game-winning shot at 9:14 of the overtime period [1]. The goal occurred at TD Garden in Boston during the game played on April 27, 2026 [4, 5].
Defensive support played a key role in the victory. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman recorded 24 saves to hold the Sabres to a single goal [3]. Sports Illustrated said defenseman Hampus Lindholm provided the assist on Pastrnak's overtime winner [1].
The Bruins entered the contest facing a critical deficit in the series. A loss in Game 5 would have ended Boston's season, but the overtime win forces a Game 6 [1, 2].
This victory marks a continuation of a hard-fought first-round series between the two teams. The Bruins now look to maintain this momentum to avoid elimination in the upcoming game [1, 3].
“David Pastrnak scored an overtime goal to lead the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 victory”
By forcing a Game 6, the Bruins have shifted the psychological momentum of the series. The reliance on Pastrnak's scoring and Swayman's goaltending suggests Boston is leaning on its star players to overcome a series deficit against Buffalo.
