7 thoughts on Bruins-Sabres first-round series

Key Points:

• The Boston Bruins secured a 4-0 win over the New Jersey Devils to finish the regular season with 100 points, earning the Eastern Conference's first wild card spot and setting up a playoff series against the Atlantic Division-winning Buffalo Sabres.
• The Bruins have significant playoff experience compared to the Sabres, whose core players are mostly making their postseason debuts after a 15-year playoff drought. Bruins coach Marco Sturm hopes to leverage this experience advantage.
• Boston won the season series against Buffalo 3-1-0, including a recent overtime victory that helped solidify their playoff position; key Sabres players missed the final game but are expected to be ready for Game 1.
• Goalie Jeremy Swayman, who had a strong regular season and a shutout in the finale, will start for Boston, while Buffalo likely starts Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen; goaltending will be a critical factor in the series outcome.
• Both teams have struggled with their power plays recently, but Buffalo boasts a stronger penalty kill; the Bruins' young prospect James Hagens has shown promise and could impact the series if he makes the lineup.