Bruins vs Sabres shifts into an elimination spot Tuesday night, with Boston facing Game 5 at KeyBank Center while trailing the first-round series 3-1. Jeremy Swayman will start in net for the Bruins at 7:30 p.m. as they try to force the matchup back home.
KeyBank Center Awaits Boston
That deficit leaves Boston with no room for a slow start. Marco Sturm said the Bruins are “excited to bounce back” and that they have “nothing to lose” in Game 5, a blunt read on where the series stands after four games.
Sturm also said, “Probably a little bit of everything, I would say,” when asked how his team is feeling. The Bruins coach added, “We want to show everyone that last game, that’s not really us…We have nothing to lose here. We have to try to find our game again and see where it’s going to take us.”
Swayman Starts, Arvidsson Sits
Boston’s lineup brings one major change in goal and one notable absence up front. Swayman gets the start, Viktor Arvidsson will not play because of an upper-body injury, and Mikey Eyssimont and Alex Steeves will be ready if needed.
Steeves would make his NHL playoff debut if he plays. Henri Jokiharju also enters the lineup for the first time in the series, projected to skate on the second pair with Hampus Lindholm while replacing Jordan Harris.
Zacha And Zadorov Set Tone
The Bruins are leaning on a reset in execution as much as in attitude. Pavel Zacha said, “I think we have good enough players who want to step up their game from last game,” and added, “We have a chance for success, and that’s what we need to focus on. All year, there’s been ups and downs. If everyone steps up and plays their game, we’re going to win.”
Nikita Zadorov was sharper about the response Boston wants. He said, “I think that’s our mindset for one game right now – get back to our hockey, get back to our Boston identity, get back to what has been successful through the year. Just play our brand.” He also called the last result “a slap to the face,” then said the Bruins need to play “like it’s the last game of our lives” and “try to die on the ice.”
For Boston, Game 5 is simple: win and extend the series, lose and the season is over in Buffalo. The Bruins get Swayman in net, Jokiharju in the lineup, and a road test that now carries the weight of survival.
