Sabres at Bruins Game 3: How to Watch, Lineup Notes, and Key Storylines

With their first-round playoff series tied 1-1, the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins meet in Game 3 on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden. The Sabres look to bounce back after a 4-2 loss in Game 2, while the Bruins aim to take control of the series on home ice.

How to Watch Sabres vs. Bruins Game 3

The game will be televised nationally on HBO Max, truTV, and TNT. Regional broadcasts will air on NESN, MSG-B, TVAS2, and SN360. Streaming options include the NHL app and affiliated network platforms.

Sabres Lineup and Key Adjustments

Buffalo is expected to start goaltender Alex Lyon in net for Game 3. The team announced that center Josh Norris will miss the game due to injury and is listed as day-to-day. Buffalo has relied on strong road performances all season, posting a 22-4-2 (.821) record since turning their season around on Dec. 9.

Coach Lindy Ruff emphasized the need for a full 60-minute effort, noting that while the Sabres showed third-period spurts in Game 2, they need consistency from the opening faceoff to beat a Bruins team that has excelled at home.

Bruins Lineup and Goaltending

Jeremy Swayman will start in net for Boston. The Bruins have been pleased with their defensive structure and goaltending through the first two games, particularly Swayman’s play. David Pastrnak, tied for the playoff scoring lead with five points in two games, continues to be a key offensive threat for Boston.

The Bruins earned a split in Buffalo with a 4-2 win in Game 2 after surrendering a 2-0 lead in Game 1’s 4-3 loss. They now look to protect their home ice, where they went 29-9-3 during the regular season — tied for the most home wins in the Eastern Conference.

Storylines to Watch

One of the key narratives entering Game 3 is the Sabres’ ability to solve Boston’s defensive structure and Swayman sooner than they did in the first two games. Buffalo was among the league’s best first- and second-period offenses during the regular season, and getting to their game early will be crucial.

Physicality has increased in the series, particularly after Game 2, and both teams expect that intensity to rise further in Boston. The Sabres have thrived in hostile environments all season, boasting 24 road wins — tied for the most in the East — and will look to carry that resilience into TD Garden.

Buffalo’s mindset remains simple, according to Lyon: “We’re going there to bring our best for 60 minutes tomorrow night and that’s that.” Ruff echoed that sentiment, saying he doesn’t want to see anyone doubting the team’s ability to win in Boston.

Key Takeaways

• Series is tied 1-1 heading into Game 3 at TD Garden.
• Alex Lyon expected to start for Buffalo; Josh Norris is day-to-day and will miss the game.
• Jeremy Swayman starts for Boston; David Pastrnak tied for playoff scoring lead.
• Sabres have been elite on the road (22-4-2 since Dec. 9); Bruins strong at home (29 regular-season wins).
• Game time: 7 p.m. ET; broadcast on HBO Max, truTV, TNT, and regional networks.

Looking Ahead

Game 3 represents a pivotal moment in the series. A Sabres win would shift momentum back to Buffalo and reclaim home-ice advantage in spirit, while a Bruins victory would put them one win away from advancing. With both teams showing resilience and the series already marked by physical play and late-game drama, Thursday’s matchup promises to be a high-stakes contest.