Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. This edition will cover the Boston Bruins hosting the Buffalo Sabres in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff first-round matchup. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions: Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres
Series so far: Sabres 1-1 Bruins
How to Watch: US TV: TNT; truTV; MSG Buffalo;. Canada TV: SN1; SN360; TVA Sports 2.
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Credit Image: © Anthony Nesmith/Cal Sport Media
Boston ended the first two games of the series on the right foot. Taking Game 2 in Buffalo to even the series tied at one-win-apiece. It has been a fiesty series so far. With tons of hits, a couple of fights, and a lot of action after the whistles. Now the series shifts back to Boston. The Bruins were dominant on home ice this season. 29-11-1 was their record defending home ice. The Sabres will look to sweep and grab a controlling 3-1 series lead after two games on the road. And Boston will look to put a stranglehold on the series by winning their two games at home.
Goaltending
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff will have a decision to make ahead of puck drop. Will he turn to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen again? Or will he switch things up and turn to seasoned veteran Alex Lyon for the start. There are pros and cons to both goaltenders. Luukkonen has earned the right to be the starter for the Sabres. But Lyon has played remarkable this season as well. And after a lacklustre stat line in Game 1, and a poor performance in Game 2, it could be time to switch things up.
UKKO-PEKKA LUUKKONEN GIFTS A GOAL TO THE BRUINS! 🎁 🫵 🤣 pic.twitter.com/tOi42DIK0Z
— NESN (@NESN) April 22, 2026
On the other end, Jeremy Swayman has been fantastic. Allowing just five goals on a combined 72 shots from the Sabres in both games so far. Boston hedged their bets with Swayman a couple of seasons ago. The team traded Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark to the Senators because they believed in Swayman. That bet is paying off big time for them in this series so far. The Sabres have gotten traffic, but ultimately Swayman is as cool as a cucumber to start this series.
Special Teams
The sloppy power play could likely cost this series for the Sabres if they don’t turn it around. They are currently 0-9 in this series and 0-31 dating back to April 1st. Boston is playing meaner, and willing to take extra minor penalties because they aren’t being hurt for it. It’s a physical edge that they’re willing to cross the line because right now the Sabres can’t make them pay for it. The good news is, the penalty kill has done their jobs. But one thing is for sure, the Sabres are going to need to score on the man advantage if they want to win this series.
Boston was finally able to capitalize on the man advantage after being held scoreless in Game 1. Pavel Zacha extended the lead to three in the second period of Game 2 with a nice deflection from the slot. Their penalty kill isn’t just killing off the penalties, they’re not allowing the Sabres to get anything. Their penalty kill is drastically winning the minutes, and demoralizing the Sabres scorers. They haven’t even needed Swayman to come up big in those areas yet.
Boston’s Control
Outside of a bad 10 minutes in Game 1. The Bruins have been in complete control of this series. Leading 4-0 in Game 2, they just look like the more poised team in the series. The Sabres come into this as the division winner, but that inexperience is starting to show. Game 3 will be pivotal in Boston. Can the Sabres finally start to open things up on offense consistently? Or will the Bruins continue to limit their chances and force turnovers?
The Sabres have dealt with the pressure of delivering for a rowdy fanbase. A fanbase that has been starving for playoff hockey for a decade and a half. Can getting on the road help them? It’s possible. Either way, it’s been a heavy heavy series so far. Expect the physicality to continue to play a role.
Prediction: Sabres win 3-2 (OT).
Prop Bets
For our awesome anytime goal-scorers, we have a couple picks we think you might like. Take Tage Thompson to get a tuck for Buffalo. Moreover, Viktor Arvidsson would be our darkhorse selection for the Bs.
Main Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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