Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 04/23/26

After splitting the first 2 games in Buffalo, the first round series between the Sabres and Bruins now shifts to Boston for Game 3 on Thursday night. Although the series is tied 1-1, the Bruins have been the better team. Boston held a 2-0 lead late into the 3rd period of Game 1 before Buffalo orchestrated a dramatic comeback. The Bruins then thoroughly dominated the Sabres in Game 2, cruising to a 4-2 victory that included a 4-0 lead early in the 3rd period. Aside from those wild 8 minutes in Game 1, the Bruins have out-played the Sabres in the first 2 games of this series. Now returning to home ice, Boston should enter Game 3 with plenty of confidence.

Boston’s veteran offensive attack seems to have an edge over Buffalo’s goaltending situation. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was pulled in Game 2 after allowing 4 goals on 20 shots. Alex Lyon replaced him, and he had not been between the pipes since April 4. It remains to be seen who will get the starting nod in this one, but either way, David Pastrnak and company should be able to put the pressure on early. Boston’s second line trio of Casey Mittelstadt, Pavel Zacha and Viktor Arvidsson is absolutely buzzing, and their solid contributions in this series make the Bruins extremely dangerous. Playing on home ice, back the Bruins on the moneyline in this one.

Sabres vs Bruins prediction: Bruins ML (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.