What happened: Boston added Ivan Ivan, Connor Clifton, Jiri Patera, Brendan Gaunce and Will Borgen for 2026-27 while retaining David Pastrnak, Charlie Mcavoy and Jeremy Swayman. Buffalo enters the matchup after beating the Bruins in the first round of the 2025-26 playoffs.
Why it matters: The Atlantic Division rivals could again be competing for Eastern Conference playoff position. Boston’s acquisition of J.J. Peterka adds another familiar opponent to the series.
By the numbers: Boston went 3-1-0 against Buffalo in the 2025-26 regular-season series; the Sabres finished 1-1-2. Their 2026-27 schedule has games Jan. 5 and March 23 in Boston, followed by April 1 and April 7 in Buffalo.
What to watch: The teams first meet Jan. 5 at Boston. Three of the four games fall in the final weeks of the schedule.