NHL Playoff Recap: Sabres Comeback Nets First Playoff Win in 15 Years

Read Time:2 Minute, 15 Second

The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs shifted into high gear on Sunday with four pivotal Game 1 matchups. It was a night defined by home-ice dominance and a stunning comeback in Buffalo that brought an end to a 15-year drought.

Buffalo Sabres 4, Boston Bruins 3

Series: BUF leads 1-0

In the most dramatic game of the night, the Buffalo Sabres celebrated their first playoff appearance in 15 years with a miraculous third-period comeback. Trailing 2–0 with less than eight minutes remaining, Tage Thompson ignited KeyBank Center by scoring twice in under four minutes to tie the game. Mattias Samuelsson then buried the go-ahead goal with 3:24 left, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Key Stat: This was Buffalo’s first home playoff win since April 20, 2011.

Montreal Canadiens 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 3 (OT)

Series: MTL leads 1-0

The Montreal Canadiens stole home-ice advantage in a back-and-forth thriller at Benchmark International Arena. Montreal neutralized the Lightning’s high-powered offense for much of the night and ultimately secured the overtime victory. Juraj Slafkovsky had a hat trick to lead the way. The win puts the pressure squarely on Tampa Bay heading into Game 2.

Vegas Golden Knights 4, Utah Mammoth 2

Series: VGK leads 1-0

The Vegas Golden Knights welcomed the Utah Mammoth to the postseason with a clinical 4–2 victory at T-Mobile Arena. While the Mammoth showed resilience in their franchise’s playoff debut, the veteran experience of the Golden Knights proved too much. Nic Doyd provided the game-winner with 7:20 to go. Vegas used a strong second period to pull away and maintain control of the series opener.

Colorado Avalanche 2, Los Angeles Kings 1

Series: COL leads 1-0

In a goaltending duel at Ball Arena, the Colorado Avalanche edged out the Los Angeles Kings 2–1. The Avalanche defense stifled the Kings’ transition game, and despite a late push from Los Angeles, Colorado held firm to protect their home ice. It was a physical, low-scoring affair that suggests this series will be a war of attrition. Logan O’Connor scored for the first time in a year, and Scott Wedgewood turned back 24 shots.

Tonight’s Schedule: Monday, April 20

Four series return to the ice tonight for Game 2, with teams looking to either tighten their grip or avoid a 2-0 hole.

Matchup	Time (ET)	Series Status
Philadelphia Flyers @ Pittsburgh Penguins	7:00 PM	PHI leads 1-0
Ottawa Senators @ Carolina Hurricanes	7:30 PM	CAR leads 1-0
Minnesota Wild @ Dallas Stars	9:30 PM	MIN leads 1-0
Anaheim Ducks @ Edmonton Oilers	10:00 PM	Game 1