Full Breakdown
Bruins Stave Off Elimination with Overtime Win Over Sabres
4/30/2026, 1:06:43 AM
Overtime Victory Keeps Bruins Alive
Boston beat Buffalo 2-1 in overtime of Game 5 at KeyBank Center, tying the series 3-2. David Pastrnak scored at 9:14 of OT after Hampus Lindholm’s feed. Rasmus Dahlin gave Buffalo an early 1-0 lead on a power-play at 3:35 of the first period; Elias Lindholm tied at 9:24 of the second. Alex Lyon stopped 27 shots; Jeremy Swayman recorded between 24 and 26 saves, per varying reports.
Series Background
The Sabres entered Game 5 with a 3-1 series lead after winning two in Boston. The Bruins, down 3-1 after a 6-1 loss in Game 4, faced elimination. Buffalo’s power play had been shut out for 0-for-17 (or 0-for-39) attempts before Dahlin’s goal.
Key Stats
Final: Boston 2, Buffalo 1 (OT). Shots: Boston 24-26, Buffalo 27. Power-play: Buffalo 1-0, Boston 0-0. Boston logged 43 hits; Buffalo recorded a 24-16 blocked-shot advantage.
Implications for the Series
The overtime win kept Boston alive, forcing a Game 6 in Boston and preserving a chance to complete a comeback from a 3-1 deficit. For Buffalo, the loss narrowed its series lead and highlighted reliance on a thin power-play conversion. The outcome also underscored the Bruins’ ability to generate clutch scoring under pressure, a factor that could influence the next game’s tactics.
Official Statements
Sturm said the Bruins were “much better tonight” and highlighted a single penalty-kill goal allowed. Ruff called the game “hard hockey,” noting missed chances. Pastrnak said the pressure fuels his play. Swayman expressed confidence in the defensive effort; Lyon described the loss as “part of the playoffs.”
Criticism & Opposition
Ruff criticized the Bruins’ earlier “embarrassing” performance and their “dreadful” defense earlier in the series. Buffalo also lamented missed opportunities, including a stick-interference call that nullified a breakaway.
On-Ice Atmosphere
The 19,070-person crowd roared after Dahlin’s power-play goal, then fell silent as the tie held. Swayman made a “massive stop” on Alex Tuch’s breakaway, and Pastrnak slipped past Lyon’s left pad for the OT winner.
Conflicting Reports
Sources list Swayman’s saves as 24, 25, or 26, and Buffalo’s power-play drought as 0-for-17 versus 0-for-39. Ostlund’s lower-body injury status remained unconfirmed after he left the game.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The whole team, there was a big buy-in today,” — Marco Sturm, Boston Bruins head coach
- “It was a hard hockey game.” — Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres head coach
- “We are neighbors, so we always call it the neighbor connection.” — David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins right wing
- “Seems like anytime he has the puck and I have an opening, I have the confidence that he’s gonna find me.” — David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins right wing
Next Game
Game 6 moves to TD Garden in Boston on Friday, May 1, with Buffalo leading the series 3-2. The winner advances; the loser’s season ends.
