Bruins humbled 6‑1 by Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres beat the Boston Bruins 6-1 on Sunday in Game 4, pushing Boston to the brink of elimination in the first round. (nhl.com) (espn.com) Buffalo scored four times in the first period at TD Garden, with Peyton Krebs, Josh Doan, Zach Benson and JJ Peterka all beating Boston before intermission. (espn.com) (msn.com) Doan finished with a goal and an assist, Alex Lyon stopped 21 shots, and Buffalo added third-period goals from Tyson Kozak and Isak Rosén. Boston’s only goal came from Sean Kuraly. (msn.com) (espn.com) The result gave the Sabres a 3-1 series lead after they also won Game 2, 3-1, and Game 3, 6-1. Boston now has to win three straight to avoid a first-round exit. (espn.com) Charlie McAvoy gave the sharpest reaction afterward. “We should be embarrassed because it was embarrassing,” the Bruins defenseman said after the loss. (nhl.com) McAvoy said Boston has “another level to get to” and that the Bruins have not found it in the series. Interim coach Joe Sacco said the team has to “reset here quick.” (nhl.com) Buffalo’s push comes with Lindy Ruff back behind the bench and the franchise in its first playoff appearance in years. Ruff said after Game 4 that he was not ready to discuss injured forwards Tyson Kozak and Jason Zucker, who both left late. (espn.com) Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, with Buffalo one win from knocking out Boston. The Bruins’ margin for error is gone. (espn.com)