Boston Bruins
David Pastrnak scored the only goal for the Bruins.
Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman (1) sits on the ice after giving up a goal to Buffalo Sabers left wing Zach Benson (6) during the third period of Game 6 of the Hockey League’s first-round Stanley Cup playoff series, Friday, May 1, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) AP
BOSTON (AP) — Alex Tuch and Mattias Samuelsson scored in the first period, Zach Benson added another goal early in the third, and the Buffalo Sabers beat the Boston Bruins 4-1 on Friday night in Game 6 to advance to the second round of the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2007.
Josh Norris added an empty-net goal. Alex Leon finished with 25 saves.
The 4-2 series win is the latest milestone for Buffalo, which saw the end of a 14-year playoff drought by capturing its first Atlantic Division title. The 2007 season was also the last time the Sabers advanced to the second round. They lost in the conference finals that year.
Buffalo will play the winner of the Montreal-Tampa Bay series in the second round. That streak will extend to seven games after the Lightning’s 1-0 overtime win on Friday night in Montreal.
David Pastrnak scored the only goal for the Bruins. Jeremy Swayman made 22 stops.
Tensions flared with 1:31 to play after Benson tripped Charlie McAvoy. McAvoy responded with a slash at Benson. Both were sent to the penalty area.
It caps a scrappy comeback streak for the Bruins after earning a playoff berth in their first season under coach Marco Sturm. Boston has lost its last six playoff games at home.
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