The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 on May 1, 2026, to win their first-round NHL playoff series [1].

This victory marks a significant milestone for Buffalo as they advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. By eliminating a perennial contender like Boston on their home ice, the Sabres establish themselves as a serious threat in the postseason bracket.

The deciding game took place at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts [2]. The puck dropped at 7:30 p.m. ET [4], with the Bruins facing an elimination scenario after trailing in the series 3-2 [3].

Buffalo controlled the contest to secure a 4-1 win [1]. The result gives the Sabres a final series victory of 4-2 [1]. The win concludes the first-round matchup and sends the Bruins home for the season.

Throughout the series, Buffalo maintained a narrow lead heading into the final game [3]. The victory at TD Garden serves as the clincher for the Sabres, who now prepare for their second-round opponent.

While the Bruins fought to avoid elimination, the Sabres' offensive and defensive execution proved too strong in Game 6 [1]. The team now moves forward in the tournament with momentum from a decisive road win.

The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 on May 1, 2026

The Sabres' ability to close out a series against the Bruins in Boston demonstrates a level of postseason composure that the franchise has historically lacked. By winning the series 4-2, Buffalo has not only advanced to the second round but has also shifted the power dynamic in the early stages of the 2026 playoffs.