Zach Benson Scores First Playoff Goal as Sabres Rout Bruins 6-1 in Game 4

Key facts

• Benson scored a goal on three shots in Game 4 against the Bruins.
• He added two penalty minutes, two hits, and a plus-2 rating.
• The goal was Benson's first career playoff point.
• Buffalo won 6-1, taking a 3-1 series lead.
• Benson's goal came early in the third period as part of a 4:58 span of three Sabres goals.
• Over four games in the series, Benson has eight shots, six hits, 16 PIM, and a plus-1 rating.
• Jason Zucker left Game 4 early with an undisclosed injury, potentially increasing Benson's ice time.
• Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21.

A Playoff Breakthrough

Zach Benson scored his first career playoff goal on Sunday, helping the Buffalo Sabres rout the Boston Bruins 6-1 in Game 4 of their first-round series. The 20-year-old rookie's tally came early in the third period, part of a three-goal outburst in just 4:58 that put the game out of reach. Benson finished with three shots on goal, two penalty minutes, two hits, and a plus-2 rating. He now has eight shots, six hits, 16 penalty minutes, and a plus-1 rating over four postseason contests.

The Sabres' Third-Period Surge

Buffalo entered the third period with a 2-0 lead after goals from Alex Tuch and Mattias Samuelsson. Then, in a span of less than five minutes, the Sabres struck three times — the third coming off Benson's stick — to extend the lead to 5-0. Josh Norris later added an empty-net goal to seal the 6-1 victory. The offensive explosion gave Buffalo a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 5 set for Tuesday in Boston.

Injury Opens Door for More Minutes

Benson's role could expand in Game 5 if forward Jason Zucker is unable to play. Zucker left Sunday's contest early with an undisclosed injury and did not return. The Sabres have not provided an update on his status. Benson, who has averaged around 14 minutes per game in the series, may see increased ice time on a line that has already shown chemistry. The rookie's physical play — six hits and 16 penalty minutes through four games — has also made him a factor in the series' rough-and-tumble nature.

Series Context and Stakes

The Sabres are now one win away from advancing to the second round for the first time since 2007. The Bruins, meanwhile, face elimination on home ice Tuesday. Boston has not lost three consecutive games in the series, but Buffalo's depth has been a deciding factor. Benson's emergence as a scoring threat adds another dimension to a Sabres attack that already features Rasmus Dahlin, Alex Tuch, and Mattias Samuelsson. The team's ability to roll four lines has worn down the Bruins' defense.

What Comes Next

Game 5 on Tuesday will determine whether the Sabres can close out the series or whether the Bruins force a Game 6 back in Buffalo. If Zucker remains sidelined, Benson will likely draw into a more prominent role, potentially on a line with veteran centers. The Sabres have won three straight games since dropping the series opener. Their power play has clicked at 25% in the series, while the penalty kill has held Boston to two goals in four games.

A Rookie's Postseason Debut

Benson, selected 13th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, has quickly adapted to the intensity of playoff hockey. His 16 penalty minutes lead all Sabres forwards in the series, reflecting a willingness to engage physically against a bigger Bruins team. His first playoff point — a goal — came at a critical moment, extending Buffalo's lead and deflating any comeback hopes for Boston. For a 20-year-old playing in his first postseason, the moment was not too big.

The bottom line

• Zach Benson scored his first career playoff goal in a 6-1 Sabres win over the Bruins in Game 4.
• Buffalo leads the series 3-1 and can clinch with a win in Game 5 on Tuesday.
• Jason Zucker's undisclosed injury could lead to increased ice time for Benson.
• Benson has 8 shots, 6 hits, 16 PIM, and a plus-1 rating through four playoff games.
• The Sabres' three-goal burst in 4:58 early in the third period broke open a tight game.
• Benson's physical play and scoring touch have made him a key contributor in his first NHL postseason.