The Boston Bruins escaped playoff elimination on Tuesday night, April 28, 2026, after a 2-1 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. David Pastrnak scored the game-winning goal at 9:14 of overtime, giving his team a 3-2 series lead.
Pastrnak scored the game-winning goal after receiving a lengthy pass from defenseman Hampus Lindholm during a line change. The goal came soon after Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman made a great save to stop Buffalo’s Alex Tuch and preserve the game tied.
According to the Democrat and Chronicle, Bruins coach Marco Sturm said the entire squad had a strong buy-in today. Sturm remarked that the squad was determined to respond after a terrible performance the last time and demonstrate their genuine character.
Elias Lindholm scored the first goal for Boston in the second period, leveling the score after Rasmus Dahlin had given Buffalo the lead early. Dahlin’s first-period goal broke the Sabres’ run of 17 consecutive power-play misses in the series.
Buffalo goalie Alex Lyon made 27 saves, including some important saves during a Boston power play in the third quarter. However, the Sabres failed to seize multiple chances to win the series at home, including a barrage of shots in the final minutes of regulation.
The Sabres suffered another setback when forward Noah Ostlund departed the game in the first quarter due to a lower-body ailment. Coach Lindy Ruff stated that the ailment does not appear promising, however no formal update was issued following the game.
The series now moves to Game 6 at TD Garden in Boston. The Sabres will get another opportunity to advance to the next round on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 7:30 p. m. ET.
