The Buffalo Sabres are set to play their second game of the 2025-26 NHL season against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night at TD Garden. The team is looking to rebound after a 4-0 loss in their season opener against New York.
Despite the loss, the Sabres saw positive signs from their defense and penalty killing units. Goaltender Alex Lyon, making his debut for Buffalo, made 29 saves and kept the team within one goal for most of the game before allowing two late goals. Lyon commented on his approach: “You never know which save is going to be really important, and that’s the mentality that I strive for: just continue to be dialed for the whole game.”
Lyon is currently starting in place of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who is recovering from a lower-body injury. The 34-year-old sees this as a significant opportunity in his nine-season NHL career. Coach Lindy Ruff expressed confidence in Lyon’s performance, stating, “I think he gave us a chance to win a hockey game. He was sharp.”
Reflecting on both his own and the team’s efforts, Lyon added: “For sure, (some) things to take away. But you play the game to win, as well, so we’ve got to try to get a win on Saturday.”
Defenseman Owen Power returns from illness and will make his season debut after being activated off injured reserve. Forward Tyson Kozak will also play his first regular season game.
The Bruins have started their season with two consecutive wins under new head coach Marco Sturm. After major roster changes at last season’s trade deadline, Boston’s top line—David Pastrnak, Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie—has combined for nine points in two games. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy has also returned from injury.
Goaltender Jeremy Swayman is expected to start for Boston after stopping 35 of 36 shots in Washington earlier this week. Last season, Buffalo had success against Swayman and the Bruins; they defeated him by scoring six goals during a January matchup at KeyBank Center and held an overall 3-1-0 record against Boston with a combined score of 17-10.
Fans can watch Saturday’s game on MSG within Buffalo’s broadcast market or stream it through Gotham Sports App or ESPN+ (for out-of-market viewers). Radio coverage will be available on WGR 550.
