Bruins Beat Sabres in OT: Zacha Scores, Playoff Race Heats Up | NHL Recap
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Pavel Zacha’s overtime goal lifted the Boston Bruins to a 4-3 victory over the Atlantic Division-leading Buffalo Sabres night at KeyBank Center. The win was a crucial bounce-back for Boston, coming off a 4-2 loss to Toronto, and pulls them into a tie in points with Montreal for third place in the Atlantic Division – just three points behind eighth-place Ottawa.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads in the third period before Zacha’s decisive strike just 38 seconds into the extra frame. David Pastrnak set up the winning play, drawing three Buffalo defenders before slipping a pass to Zacha, who snapped a shot past Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen through the legs.
Pastrnak’s assist extended his point streak to 11 games, a run during which he’s tallied seven goals and 18 points. He also reached the 90-point plateau for the fifth time in his career, solidifying his position as one of the league’s premier offensive talents.
The Sabres had appeared to seize control of the game late in regulation, with Jason Zucker and Zach Benson scoring 31 seconds apart to establish a 3-2 lead. However, Boston responded quickly, with Casey Mittelstadt – appearing in his 500th career game against his former team – tying the score with six minutes remaining.
The Sabres, despite the loss, earned a point and remain tied with Carolina atop the Eastern Conference. They are also within 10 points of clinching their first playoff berth in 15 years, a testament to their strong season thus far. Buffalo has been impressive lately, posting a 12-1-2 record in their last 15 games.
Joonas Korpisalo was solid in net for the Bruins, stopping 22 of 25 shots faced. Luukkonen matched him save for save for much of the night, finishing with 27 saves.
The third period was a whirlwind of action. After a scoreless first two periods, the Bruins drew first blood. The Sabres then answered with a quick flurry, taking the lead before Boston battled back to tie. The momentum swings continued until Zacha’s overtime winner.
The game highlighted the competitive balance within the Atlantic Division. The Sabres, despite being at the top of the standings, are facing stiff competition from the Bruins, Montreal, and others vying for playoff spots. Boston’s victory demonstrates their ability to contend with the division’s best, even on the road.
While the Sabres’ playoff hopes remain bright, this loss serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. Maintaining consistency will be key for Buffalo as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. As one report noted, a single period of inconsistent play proved costly against Boston.
For the Bruins, the win is a significant boost as they push for a playoff berth. Pastrnak’s continued excellence and Zacha’s clutch overtime goal are encouraging signs for a team looking to make a deep run. The ability to rally from behind, as they did against Buffalo, is a valuable asset in the playoffs.
The Sabres’ strong record in recent games, coupled with their position in the Eastern Conference standings, suggests they are a legitimate contender. However, they will need to address their defensive lapses and maintain a consistent level of play to achieve their playoff aspirations. The team is keenly aware that simply earning a point in a loss isn’t enough to build a championship contender.
The Bruins and Sabres will undoubtedly meet again before the end of the regular season, and those matchups are sure to be just as intense. Both teams have demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level, and the race for playoff positioning in the Atlantic Division promises to be a thrilling one.