Buffalo Sabres showed impressive offensive prowess to take an impressive 6-1 victory against Boston Bruins in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, giving themselves a commanding 3-1 edge and marking two straight victories over them in Boston.
Peyton Krebs, Josh Doan, Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch each recorded one goal and an assist for Buffalo during Saturday night’s win, while Zach Benson and Beck Malenstyn also netted. Krebs opened scoring four minutes into the contest – sparking off an explosive start that saw Buffalo build an early three goal advantage within 10 minutes.
Buffalo’s offense was relentless, supported by goaltender Alex Lyon who made 23 saves and maintained a shutout until late in the third period. Sean Kuraly scored Boston’s only goal with under a minute remaining. Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman struggled, conceding six goals on 29 shots before being replaced by Joonas Korpisalo for the final stretch of the game.
The Bruins’ night worsened when Viktor Arvidsson exited due to an upper-body injury after a hit from Buffalo defenseman Mattias Samuelsson. The Bruins fell behind 4-0 in this playoff game for the first time ever.
Buffalo dominated early, outshooting Boston 19-5 in the opening period and creating numerous high-danger opportunities. Krebs’ opening goal came off a no-look pass from Tuch following a turnover, setting the tone for the game.
Shortly after a Boston penalty expired, Doan extended the lead to 2-0 by deflecting a pass from Ryan McLeod. Benson added another at 9:15 after intercepting a pass and slipping a backhand shot past Swayman’s five-hole.
Byram completed the four-goal first period with his third goal in as many games, firing a shot past a diving Swayman after a setup from Owen Power.
In the third period, the Sabres increased their advantage with two quick goals in quick succession from Jordan Greenway and Tuch. Kozak deflected Greenway’s point shot off Tyson Malenstyn before it found the back of Malenstyn before going in, followed by Tuch’s precise finish after receiving a pass from Tage Thompson behind the net to complete scoring for New York.
Kuraly’s late goal gave the Bruins hope but did nothing to alter the outcome of Game 4. With Game 5 shifting back to Buffalo for Game 5, on April 28th, Buffalo hopes to build on their momentum and perhaps seal out this series victory.