Buffalo Sabres stunned the Boston Bruins with a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday night. The Sabres, making their first playoff appearance in 15 years, scored four goals in the final eight minutes of the third period, led by Tage Thompson’s two pivotal goals.

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Buffalo trailing 2-0 entering the third period. However, Thompson ignited the Sabres’ rally at 12:02, cutting the lead to 2-1 when he tucked the puck behind Boston goalie Jeremy Swayman. Just 3:42 later, Thompson found the back of the net again, tying the game at 2-2 with a well-placed shot beneath Swayman’s pads.

Mattias Samuelsson then gave Buffalo their first lead of the game with a wrist shot from above the left circle, putting the Sabres ahead 3-2 at 16:36. Alex Tuch sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 18:48, making it 4-2, before David Pastrnak scored a late power-play goal with eight seconds left to reduce the deficit to 4-3.

“I’m so proud of this group,” said Thompson. “It’s been an unbelievable season, and this is just the start. We knew if we stuck with it, one would go in, and we just needed one to get us going.”

Buffalo's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was solid in net, making 17 saves in the win, while the Sabres’ offense found its rhythm late in the game. The Bruins were outshot 13-4 in the second period, but still managed to hold a 2-0 lead through much of the third.

Boston’s offense was led by Pastrnak, who had a goal and two assists, and Morgan Geekie, who also added a goal and two assists. Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves in the loss for the Bruins, who were unable to hold onto their early advantage.

“The first two periods were really good for us,” said Thompson. “There was no panic in the room, and we knew if we kept pushing, we would get the results we wanted.”

The Sabres now look to build on their momentum in Game 2, which takes place Tuesday in Buffalo.

Key Stats:

Buffalo Sabres: Tage Thompson (2 goals), Mattias Samuelsson (1 goal), Alex Tuch (1 goal), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (17 saves)

Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak (1 goal, 2 assists), Morgan Geekie (1 goal, 2 assists), Jeremy Swayman (34 saves)

- Field Level Media/Reuters