Welcome to NHL Predictions, where we’re taking a deep dive into a gritty first-round series between the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres. Boston and Buffalo are heading into Game 4, where the Bruins will try to even the series while the Sabres are looking to take a commanding lead. Let’s take an in-depth analysis between these two ultra-talented clubs.
NHL Predictions With the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres
Series: Sabres 2 – 1 Bruins
Puck Drop: 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
How to Watch: TNT, truTV, HBO Max, MSG-B, NESN
The Sabres have been tough for the Bruins to stop in the third period. Their ability to keep fighting has rewarded them, and one can only wonder what kind of damage the Sabres will do if they string together 60 solid minutes. The Bruins played an impeccable Game 2, but lost momentum in Games 1 and 3.
Credit Image: © Nick Loverde/Cal Sport Media/ZUMAPRESS.com
The stakes are sky high for both teams. For the Sabres, it’s redemption after missing the playoffs for 14 straight seasons. As for the Bruins? They don’t want to be the first team the Sabres have beaten in a playoff series since 2007. If you thought this series was ultra hard-hitting between two bitter rivals, expect both teams to turn up the intensity in Game 4.
Biggest Question Facing the Boston Bruins
When will they stop falling apart in the third period? Boston kept the Sabres from embarking on an epic comeback in Game 2. But Games 1 and 3 saw the Sabres make quick work of the Bruins late, and it’s why Boston’s trailing in a series they could be winning.
What’s more frustrating for the Bruins? They have the ingredients to be a championship-calibre team. Boston has one of the best forwards in David Pastrnak, an outstanding goaltender in Jeremy Swayman, an aggressive fourth line that loves to hit, and an experienced defensive rotation.
Biggest Storyline for the Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres are looking to put themselves on the cusp of winning their first playoff series in nearly two decades. For Buffalo, it’s all about how they handle a series lead. In Game 2, they didn’t show up for two and a half periods and went down by four goals before scoring. Game 4 is their latest chance to make sure they don’t struggle through a repeat of Game 2.
For three straight games, Buffalo has been shut out in the first 30 minutes. That can’t happen in a Game 4 where the Bruins will fight tooth and nail to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole. Buffalo needs to get their act together on the power play, where they have been miserable this series. And they must create chaos early and often in front of the net and put more pressure on Boston quickly.
NHL Predictions
This one will come down to the team more willing to put forth a championship-level effort for 60 straight minutes. Boston though, has proven itself more capable so far this series, despite falling behind 2-1. They have struck first all three times, and managed a solid 60 minutes in Game 2.
Bruins win 3-1
Prop Bets
In a game like this, both teams want to get the puck onto their best player’s stick. For the Bruins, it’s David Pastrnak. And for the Sabres, Tage Thompson is the go-to.
Main Photo: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
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