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Pastrnak Overtime Goal Ties Series, Boston Bruins Lead Game 6

4/30/2026

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Summary

Pastrnak Overtime Winner

David Pastrnak scored at 9:14 of overtime to give Boston a 2-1 win over Buffalo in Game 5.
Hampus Lindholm delivered the breakout pass that set up Pastrnak’s overtime goal.
The win tied the series 3-3 and shifted Game 6 to Boston on Friday.
Jeremy Swayman made 24 saves as Boston outshot Buffalo 29-25.
Noah Ostlund left with a lower-body injury and is doubtful.

Summary

Sabres Break Drought

The Buffalo Sabres opened their first playoff series since 2007, ending a 14-season drought.
Buffalo entered Game 5 with only ten players who have ever been in a series-clinching win.
The Anaheim Ducks returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, with only eight players having series-clinching experience.
The Minnesota Wild have not won a series since 2015, while Edmonton’s Oilers have closed out nine series in four years.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the New York Rangers broke a 54-year Stanley Cup drought, winning the championship after posting a league-best 112 points and 52 victories. That breakthrough illustrated how ending long playoff absences can revitalize a franchise, a pattern echoed today as the Boston Bruins pushed the Buffalo Sabres into overtime in Game 5 of their 2024 series.

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Pastrnak Overtime Winner

David Pastrnak scored at 9:14 of overtime to give Boston a 2-1 win over Buffalo in Game 5.
Hampus Lindholm delivered the breakout pass that set up Pastrnak’s overtime goal.
The win tied the series 3-3 and shifted Game 6 to Boston on Friday.
Jeremy Swayman made 24 saves as Boston outshot Buffalo 29-25.
Noah Ostlund left with a lower-body injury and is doubtful.

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