The NHL playoffs are here, and the energy in Buffalo is electric as the Sabres prepare to host the Boston Bruins in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. This Atlantic Division clash promises high stakes from the opening face-off.

Buffalo enters the postseason with a strong 50-23-9 record, powered by an offense that ranked fifth in the league with 283 goals. However, they face a familiar foe in the Bruins, who held a 3-1 edge in the regular-season series, including a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory on March 25.

While the Sabres boast firepower like Josh Doan (26 goals, 26 assists) and a hot Alex Tuch, Boston counters with its trademark physicality, serving the second-most penalty minutes per game. Key performers like Morgan Geekie (39 goals, 29 assists) and Pavel Zacha will look to carry their recent scoring touch into the playoffs.

Both teams are riding positive momentum, with Buffalo going 6-3-1 and Boston 5-3-2 in their last ten games. The Sabres will need to manage significant injuries, including Jiri Kulich being out for the season, as they look to defend home ice and flip the script on their regular-season results against their divisional rival.