What's at stake

Advancement to the second playoff round is on the line.

The winner moves on; the loser’s season ends. Series outcome alters NHL bracket balance, short-term revenue, and the perceived trajectories of both franchises. It also affects front-office plans and offseason narratives.

Who's in play

David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and goalie Jeremy Swayman anchor Boston’s lineup.

Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Buffalo’s netminder supply the offensive punch, shutdown defense, and starts that swing games. Role players and special teams will be decisive.

What drives it

Goaltending and special teams swing single games and shape series momentum.

Coaching matchups, injury status, and how lines are deployed alter possession and scoring chances; power-play conversion and penalty kill rates are key measurable levers.

What to watch

Game 1 puck drop and the opening home-ice sequence will shape early momentum.

Watch starting goalies named before each game, official injury reports, power-play and penalty-kill percentages, and postgame coach comments and lineup changes for timely signals.