Sabres Prepare for Playoff-Style Test Against Bruins
The Buffalo Sabres are entering a crucial stretch of the 2025-26 regular season, with seven of their remaining eleven games to be played at KeyBank Center. Following a road trip where they secured seven of eight points, the team is focused on maintaining momentum as they push towards a playoff berth.
Head coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged the challenge of returning from a long trip, stating, “Coming back from a long trip, you always fear that first game, to get settled in.” Though, the Sabres have historically performed well in these situations, boasting a 6-1-0 record in the first game back home after a multi-game road trip this season. Their overall home record stands at 22-9-3, potentially their best since the 2006-07 season.
Bruins as Playoff Preview
Wednesday’s game against the Boston Bruins presents a realistic preview of a potential first-round playoff matchup. If the season were to end today, the Bruins would be the Sabres’ opponent in the opening round. The two teams have split their season series thus far, with a 1-1-1 record.
Ruff Addresses Team’s First Two Periods Against Bruins
Following a 4-3 overtime loss to the Bruins on March 25, 2026, Lindy Ruff was critical of his team’s performance in the first two periods, calling them “probably our poorest periods of the last three months.” He emphasized a lack of willpower and poor puck decisions as key factors, noting that the Bruins were winning more battles despite the Sabres’ recent strong play. Source
Despite the sluggish start, the Sabres mounted a comeback, fueled by goals from Zach Benson and Jason Zucker. However, a lousy bounce ultimately led to the Bruins’ overtime victory. Source
Lindy Ruff’s Background
Lindy Ruff is a seasoned NHL coach and former player. He currently serves as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, a position he previously held from 1997 to 2013, during which he won the Jack Adams Award in 2006. He has also coached the Dallas Stars and Modern Jersey Devils. Source Ruff played in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers, captaining the Sabres for nearly three years. He also has international experience, serving as an assistant coach for the Canadian national team at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, winning gold medals at both. Source
You can watch Lindy Ruff’s postgame comments following the Sabres’ overtime loss to the Bruins on March 25, 2026 here.
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