Bruins survive with Pastrnak overtime winner

Pastrnak’s OT goal saves Bruins, forces Game 6

David Pastrnak scored on a breakaway 9:14 into overtime to give the Boston Bruins a 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 5. The victory prevented elimination and set up a Game 6.

The Bruins’ comeback was the story of the night. Buffalo had built a lead in the series, including a 3-1 advantage entering Game 5, but Boston refused to go quietly at KeyBank Center.

Why it matters

• Immediate survival: The OT goal turned the matchup from “win and advance” for Buffalo into “not yet” for Boston.
• Pastrnak’s clutch factor: The finish reinforced Boston’s ability to create game-altering chances under playoff pressure, with Pastrnak delivering the decisive strike.
• Series pressure swings back: With the Sabres’ celebration delayed, both teams now head to the next game with the advantage up for grabs.

Boston’s path also included tense late-game moments. One overtime play was reviewed and ruled not a goal, but Boston ultimately found the winner in extra time. The outcome keeps the Bruins alive in a first-round series that had been tilting against them.

For the Sabres, it means the pursuit of their first playoff series win since 2007 becomes one more hurdle. For the Bruins, it’s another chance to push the series forward with their season not hanging on a single bounce.