Boston Bruins Begin Playoff Preparation with Final Practice in Boston The Boston Bruins concluded their final on-ice session in Boston on Saturday at Warrior Ice Arena before departing for Buffalo, where they will face the Sabres in the first game of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team’s preparation for the postseason included two full-team practices and one off-ice training day following their regular-season finale. Head coach Marco Sturm emphasized that the team had effectively used the week to fine-tune their approach, with players showing renewed energy and focus. Sturm, who has previously participated in the playoffs as a player, is entering his first coaching stint in the NHL postseason. He highlighted the increased intensity of playoff games, stressing the importance of maintaining composure and discipline. “The intensity goes up,” he said. “That means the guys need a guy behind the bench who they can rely on by being steady like I’ve been all year long. Message being under control. I think that’s what playoffs are all about.” Hampus Lindholm, the Bruins’ alternate captain, is set to compete in his ninth NHL playoffs and fourth with Boston. The 32-year-old defenseman has remained on the second pair with Mason Lohrei during practices, logging 21:37 of ice time per game this season. Lindholm acknowledged the heightened stakes of the postseason, noting that the team must continue to refine its execution. “It ramps up this time of year,” he said. “We know our strengths and what we have to do to be successful this year. Just trying to hammer it down.” The Bruins’ regular-season record against the Sabres was 3-1-0, but Sturm cautioned that playoff games differ significantly from regular-season matchups.#boston_brains #warrior_ice_arena #buffalo_sabres #marco_sturm #hampus_lindholm
