David Pastrnak scores 9:14 into OT and Bruins avoid elimination with 2-1 win over Sabres
Apr 28, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) takes a shot on goal during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images Timothy T.
Ludwig/Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images BUFFALO, N. Y.
— When Hampus Lindholm got the puck inside Boston’s blue line after teammate Fraser Minten broke up the Buffalo Sabres’ rush, and the Bruins defenseman knew immediately who to look for. Sure enough, there was David Pastrnak already heading toward Buffalo’s zone. Set up by Lindholm, Pastrnak scored on a breakaway 9:14 into overtime, and the Bruins avoided elimination with a 2-1 win in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series.
“He’s pretty special when it comes to those opportunities, too, so it was fun to see it go in,” Lindholm said. Pastrnak said the chemistry he has with Lindholm is a result of them being neighbors. “We always call it the neighbor connection,” Pastrnak said.
“Seems like anytime he has the puck and I have an opening, I have the confidence that he’s gonna find me. ” The series shifts back to Boston for Game 6, with Buffalo still seeking to clinch its first playoff series victory since eliminating the New York Rangers in six games of a 2007 second-round series. The Sabres are in the playoffs only for the third time since, and after snapping an NHL record 14-season playoff drought this year.