The Buffalo Sabres open the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday, April 19, 2026, hosting the Boston Bruins at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Buffalo earned the top seed in the Atlantic Division with 109 points, while Boston qualified as the Eastern Conference’s first Wild Card with 100 points. Games 1 and 2 of the series air on ESPN, with Games 3 and 4 on TNT and Max.
Sabres vs. Bruins: First Round Schedule
Here’s the complete first round schedule for the Sabres vs. Bruins, via the NHL’s official first round schedule. Games 5 through 7 are if necessary.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Site | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 19 (Sun) | 7:30 p.m. | vs. Boston (KeyBank Center) | ESPN, SN360, TVAS |
| 2 | April 21 (Tue) | 7:30 p.m. | vs. Boston (KeyBank Center) | ESPN, SN360, TVAS |
| 3 | April 23 (Thu) | 7:00 p.m. | @ Boston (TD Garden) | TNT, truTV, Max, SN360, TVAS |
| 4 | April 26 (Sun) | 2:00 p.m. | @ Boston (TD Garden) | TNT, truTV, Max, SN, TVAS |
| *5 | April 28 (Tue) | TBD | vs. Boston | TBD |
| *6 | May 1 (Fri) | TBD | @ Boston (TD Garden) | TBD |
| *7 | May 3 (Sun) | TBD | vs. Boston | TBD |
* If necessary. Game times and TV assignments for Games 5-7 are TBD and will be updated as the series progresses.
Buffalo Sabres Playoff FAQ
When do the Buffalo Sabres start the 2026 NHL Playoffs?
The Buffalo Sabres open the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday, April 19, 2026, hosting the Boston Bruins at KeyBank Center. Game 1 begins at 7:30 p.m. ET and airson ESPN.
Who do the Buffalo Sabres play in the first round?
The Buffalo Sabres face the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Buffalo earned the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Division with 109 points, while Boston qualified as the Eastern Conference’s first Wild Card with 100 points.
Where do the Sabres play their 2026 home playoff games?
The Buffalo Sabres play their 2026 first round home games at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary) are scheduled at KeyBank Center, which seats approximately 19,070 for hockey.
What TV channels broadcast the Sabres-Bruins playoff series?
Games 1 and 2 of the Sabres-Bruins series air on ESPN, while Games 3 and 4 are on TNT, truTV, and Max. Canadian viewers can watch on SN360 and TVAS throughout the series.
How did the Buffalo Sabres qualify for the 2026 playoffs?
The Buffalo Sabres qualified for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the top seed in the Atlantic Division, finishing the regular season with 109 points. Buffalo drew the first Wild Card from the Eastern Conference, the Boston Bruins (100 points), in the first round.
NHL Playoff and Other Resources
- Full 2026 NHL Playoff TV SSchedule and Game Times
- Interactive Bracket Maker
- 2026-27 NHL Schedule Release Info
