Bruins 2, Sabres 1 (OT)

 

I'll admit it - I've been pretty tough on the Bruins so far this postseason, probably more than they deserve. But after the past few years, after they've disappointed me season after season, I've learned to protect myself from optimism.  

But last night, after Pastrnak scored a goal 9:14 minutes into overtime, my hope resumed. The Bruins, now 2-3 in the best-of-seven series, return home with a Philadelphia 76ers-size chance of taking back the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. The Bruins had 29 wins at home during the regular season, tied only with Carolina for the most home wins in the NHL. 

Elias Lindholm scored the only Bruins goal in regulation in the second period, and Swayman made 24 saves, including surviving some furious onslaughts in the OT. 

Game 6 is at 7:30 on Saturday. The Bruins can tie it up then, and then return to Buffalo and deny the Sabres their first playoff series win since 2007.