The Sabres will host the Bruins on Tuesday night in Game 2 of the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs, with first puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. ET. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Buffalo is a -175 favorite on the Moneyline, and the game’s total is set at O/U 6.5 goals.

Here’s a Sabres vs. Bruins Game 2 prediction and pick.

Sabres vs. Bruins Game 2 prediction, preview

The Bruins had full control of Game 1 up until Tage Thompson scored back-to-back third-period goals in a three-minute span to tie the game at two apiece. Less than one minute later, Mattias Samuelsson scored, and the KeyBank Center’s roof nearly blew off. Boston having a lead for all but eight minutes of the game doesn’t necessarily mean it was the better team, though. The Sabres outshot and outhit the Bruins, 38 to 20 and 53-38, respectively. It was quite out of character for Buffalo to record 53 hits, which set a franchise postseason record. Perhaps Bruins’ head coach, Marco Sturm’s comments about how Boston was stronger and more physical, fueled the fire.

It was a phenomenal game between the pipes for Jeremy Swayman, regardless of the outcome in Game 1. He ultimately faltered in the third period, but he was the primary reason the Bruins even held onto the lead for so long. I’d expect more of the same tonight in Game 2 from Swayman, but it won’t be easy in front of the raucous Sabres fans, who will likely be even louder and more pumped up knowing the team didn’t crash and burn when it faced adversity in its first playoff game in 14 years. I do expect a better overall performance from Boston as well, considering it has playoff experience and knows how to bounce back. Road environments have been unkind to the Bruins this season, but I’m sure the team will be looking to even the series before it heads to Boston for Games 3 and 4.

Sabres vs. Bruins Game 2 pick, best bet

42% of the handle and 58% of the bets on DraftKings Sportsbook lie with the Sabres on the Moneyline at -175 odds, suggesting some sharp action on the Bruins. The Sabres have momentum from Game 1, and I am expecting the crowd to be even louder in Game 2. It will be the same goaltender matchup again, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen should feel less nervous with one postseason start and a win under his belt, too.

I took the Sabres 60 Min Line in Game 1, and I think they get the job done again in regulation in Game 2.

Best Bet: BUF Sabres 60 Min Line (-105)

Strong Lean: BOS Bruins Puck Line +1.5 (-180)

Buffalo has failed to cover the Puck Line in each of its last eight home games as a favorite.