The Buffalo Sabres won their first playoff game in 15 years on Sunday night. They beat the Boston Bruins 4-3 at KeyBank Center. Fans flooded downtown Buffalo for the historic event.
The Sabres rallied from a two-goal deficit in the third period. They scored four times to secure the Game 1 victory. The game started past 7:30 p.m.
The energy around the arena and Canalside was electric. Fans traveled from places like Texas and Newfoundland. They were ready for the team’s postseason return.
Party in the Plaza started at 4:30 p.m. outside the arena. A pregame party began at Canalside an hour later. Bars and restaurants were packed hours before puck drop.
One fan predicted the roof would come off the building. They said the energy was already crazy. Another fan said they waited 14 years for this moment.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff spoke before the game. He said players should have butterflies with this anticipation. Ruff commented on the work done to reach this point.
Ruff said he wished the team could have played Saturday. They had to wait until Sunday for Game 1. He looked forward to getting the series started.
The victory marks a significant moment for the franchise. It is their first Stanley Cup Playoffs game since 2009. The series continues against the Boston Bruins.
