Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins Picks and Predictions for Thursday April 23 2026
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The Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins meet for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference First Round series at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max as both teams look to gain the upper hand in a series currently tied 1-1. Boston enters this matchup at 45-27-10 overall with a strong 29-11-1 home record, while Buffalo comes in at 50-23-9 overall and 24-13-4 on the road. According to the latest odds, Buffalo is listed at -115 on the moneyline, with Boston at -110, and the total is set at 6.5 goals. Get ready to track all the NHL playoff action with our Free NHL picks.
Previous Game Recap
Boston evened the series in Game 2 with a 4-2 victory over Buffalo, taking control of the matchup with a decisive second period. After a scoreless opening frame, the Bruins broke through with three goals in the second period, building a lead that proved difficult for Buffalo to overcome. The Sabres attempted a push in the third period with two goals of their own, but Boston responded with an insurance tally to secure the win and level the series.
Boston’s offensive effort in the win was spread throughout the lineup, with multiple contributors stepping up to generate scoring chances and capitalize on opportunities. The Bruins saw a balanced attack with several players recording points, including multi-point performances that helped drive the second-period surge. In goal, Jeremy Swayman delivered a strong performance, stopping 33 of 35 shots and finishing with a .943 save percentage, helping stabilize the Bruins after Buffalo’s late push.
Buffalo’s performance featured some offensive pressure, particularly in the third period when they managed to find the back of the net twice. Peyton Krebs scored one of the Sabres’ goals, while additional contributions came from the defensive group, including Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin, who both registered assists. Despite generating 35 shots on goal, Buffalo struggled to solve Boston’s goaltending consistently, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowed four goals on 20 shots before being relieved, while Alex Lyon stopped all seven shots he faced in relief.
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Sabres Look to Respond on the Road
Buffalo enters Game 3 with an impressive 50-23-9 overall record and a solid 24-13-4 mark away from home. In their last five games, the Sabres recently lost to Boston 4-2 but previously recently won over Boston 4-3 in Game 1. Outside of the series, they recently lost to Dallas 4-3 in a shootout but also recently won over Chicago 5-1 and recently won over Columbus 5-0. Buffalo showed resilience in splitting the first two games at home but now faces the challenge of regaining momentum on the road after the Game 2 loss.
Statistically, the Sabres have been one of the more productive offensive teams, averaging 3.45 goals per game while allowing 2.93 goals against. They generate 28.1 shots per game and allow 29.1, while their special teams show a power play converting at 19.5 percent and a penalty kill operating at 81.9 percent. Buffalo has also recorded 11 shorthanded goals this season, indicating the ability to create opportunities even while down a man.
One key aspect for Buffalo in this matchup is their ability to generate offense consistently. While they produced 35 shots in Game 2, finishing those chances remains crucial. Their scoring depth has allowed them to be effective throughout the season, but converting against strong goaltending will be the difference as they try to reclaim control of the series.
Bruins Aim to Build on Game 2 Momentum
Boston comes into Game 3 with a 45-27-10 overall record and an outstanding 29-11-1 record at home, making TD Garden a significant advantage. Over their last five games, the Bruins recently won over Buffalo 4-2 to even the series after recently losing to Buffalo 4-3 in Game 1. Prior to the playoffs, they recently won over New Jersey 4-0 and recently won over Columbus 3-2, though they also recently lost to Tampa Bay 2-1. Their ability to bounce back after a loss was evident in Game 2, where they controlled the middle portion of the game.
Boston’s team statistics show a balanced approach, averaging 3.27 goals per game while allowing 3.01 goals against. They take 27.0 shots per game and allow 29.7, with a power play converting at 23.4 percent. However, their penalty kill sits at 76.9 percent, which could be an area of concern. The Bruins have also tallied 55 power-play goals, demonstrating their ability to capitalize with the man advantage.
A key strength for Boston is their home performance, where they have consistently found ways to win. Their ability to generate offense through multiple contributors and receive strong goaltending was evident in Game 2, and maintaining that level of play will be essential as they look to take a series lead.
Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins Picks and Prediction
Moneyline Pick
- Boston Bruins
The Bruins enter Game 3 with clear momentum after their 4-2 win and now return to a home environment where they have been highly effective all season. Boston’s ability to respond after a loss and control the flow of Game 2, particularly in the second period, shows a level of consistency that can carry into this matchup. While Buffalo has proven capable of winning in this series, the Bruins’ strong home record and recent performance give them the edge here. The pick is Boston on the moneyline.
Total Pick
- Over 6.5
The total is set at 6.5 goals, and both teams have shown the ability to generate offense. Buffalo is averaging 3.45 goals per game, while Boston is averaging 3.27, suggesting scoring opportunities on both sides. Game 2 reached six total goals despite Buffalo struggling to convert consistently, and with both teams capable of producing offensively, this matchup leans toward a higher-scoring outcome. The pick is over 6.5 goals.
Final Score Prediction: Boston Bruins 4 – Buffalo Sabres 3
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