Everything You Need To Know To Attend Sabres First Playoff Game In 15 Years

It's been a long time coming, 15 years in fact, but we're finally here, and the Buffalo Sabres are getting ready to host their first playoff game at the KeyBank Center since the 2011 season.

On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Wild Card Boston Bruins will travel to Buffalo to face the NHL Atlantic Division Champions in a best-of-7 first-round matchup. The first team to get to four wins will move on, and the other team will go home to watch the rest of the NHL play on. Since the NHL uses a best-of-7, 2–2–1–1–1 game structure. The Sabres will host games 1 and 2, and games 5 and 7 if needed.

With nearly 20,000 people heading into downtown Buffalo for a spring playoff game for the first time in more than a decade, many people might need a reminder about all the things they need to know and do to come into downtown Buffalo to catch a hockey game.

READ MORE: Sabres Party In The Plaza Is Going To Be Amazing

If that sounds like you, then we have everything you need to know to head to the KeyBank Center to watch the Sabres host the Bruins in games one and two of the NHL Playoffs.

Get Ready For Playoff Hockey In Buffalo

Sunday, April 19, 2026, is going to be a big and historic day for Buffalo sports.

We'd love to share your photos of the party in the plaza, the Sabres watch party, and the in-game festivities. Please feel free to share your photos with us. You can email me right here, or you can send me your pics through our station app.

Let's Go, Buffalo!