The lead lasted all of 55 seconds. The B’s top line got hemmed in its own end for much of the shift and, after it finally pushed it out of the zone, the players got caught in a change. On a Sabre 4-on-3, Matt Poitras got lost out high and Dylan Cozens connected with the wide-open trailer Thompson, who ripped a slapper past Swayman.

Defeating the Sabres would have allowed the Bruins to pass the Ottawa Senators again in the Atlantic Division standings. Thus, the Bruins threw away a golden opportunity in this matchup against Buffalo.