The Buffalo Sabres are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 15 years, and their long-awaited return sets up a classic rivalry showdown. They'll face the Boston Bruins in a first-round series that is rich with history and intensity, marking the ninth postseason meeting between these Atlantic Division foes.

For the Sabres, ending a 20-year series win drought adds immense pressure and narrative to this matchup. Head coach Lindy Ruff, a former Sabres player and a two-time Jack Adams Award candidate, has a deep personal history with this rivalry. He was on the ice for Buffalo's early playoff losses to Boston in the 80s and behind the bench for both a 1999 series win and a 2010 defeat.

Buffalo's journey to this point is a story of remarkable resurgence. After a 79-point season in Ruff's first year back, the team exploded for 109 points this year to capture the Atlantic Division title, hearkening back to their Presidents' Trophy-winning form.

Standing in their way are the battle-tested Bruins, who bounced back from missing the playoffs last season to post another 100-point campaign. Boston won the regular-season series 3-1, with two victories coming in overtime, proving they know how to win tight games against their division rival.

Despite Boston's regular-season edge, sportsbooks have installed the Sabres as the series favorites, with odds reflecting confidence in Buffalo's high-powered regular season. This sets the stage for a compelling clash: a hungry, resurgent Sabres team against a proud, playoff-savvy Bruins franchise. It's the perfect kind of high-stakes hockey that defines the NHL postseason.