Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins projected lineup and storyline for October 30, 2025

Buffalo Sabres head to TD Garden on Thursday, October 30, looking to secure their first road victory of the 2025-26 season when they face the Boston Bruins. After dropping a 4-3 decision to the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this week, Buffalo sits at 4-4-2, while the Bruins are attempting to build momentum following a convincing 5-2 comeback victory over the New York Islanders on Tuesday. Boston enters the contest with a 5-7-0 record but has shown signs of improvement at home, posting a 4-3-0 mark at TD Garden.

This matchup features two Original Six rivals seeking to find their footing in the early stages of the season. The Sabres previously visited Boston on October 11, falling 3-1 in a game that saw them struggle to generate sustained offensive pressure. With several lineup adjustments on both sides since that meeting, tonight’s contest promises a different dynamic as both teams aim to string together consecutive victories and climb their respective divisional standings.

Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins projected lineup October 30 2025: forward combinations

The Sabres’ forward group will feature a significant boost with Jordan Greenway expected to make his season debut after missing the team’s first 10 games due to a middle-body injury. According to reports from the team’s Wednesday practice, Greenway skated at center on a line with Jason Zucker and Jack Quinn, providing Buffalo with additional depth and physicality down the lineup.

The top line remains intact with Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, and Tage Thompson. Thompson, who has collected eight points through ten games, continues to be Buffalo’s offensive catalyst alongside the emerging Kulich. This trio has demonstrated strong chemistry in recent outings, particularly in the offensive zone where their combination of skill and size creates matchup problems for opposing defenders.

The second line showcases Josh Doan, Ryan McLeod, and Alex Tuch. Tuch leads the Sabres with nine points and brings veteran presence to a line that has consistently generated scoring chances. McLeod’s speed through the neutral zone complements Tuch’s playmaking ability, while Doan has provided a spark with his relentless forechecking. Much like the lineup decisions facing the Sabres, Buffalo’s coaching staff has worked to find the right balance between youth and experience throughout their forward lines.

The bottom six features Josh Dunne centering Peyton Krebs and Beck Malenstyn on the fourth line. This energy unit will be tasked with setting the physical tone and creating momentum shifts through aggressive play. Buffalo’s forward depth has been tested early this season, with injuries forcing lineup shuffles, but the return of Greenway provides coach Lindy Ruff with additional options for managing ice time and matchups.

For Boston, the forward combinations feature Marat Khusnutdinov centering Elias Lindholm and David Pastrnak on the top line. Pastrnak leads the Bruins with 15 points and remains their most dangerous offensive weapon. The addition of Lindholm provides the line with a two-way presence capable of shutting down opponents while also contributing offensively.

The second line pairs Casey Mittelstadt with Pavel Zacha and Viktor Arvidsson. Mittelstadt, acquired in the offseason, has brought playmaking ability to the Boston lineup. This trio has been effective in cycling the puck and creating extended offensive zone time, wearing down opposing defenses.

Morgan Geekie’s hot streak continues as he slots in with Fraser Minten and Tanner Jeannot on the third line. Geekie has been sensational with eight goals already this season and 19 goals in his last 26 NHL games dating back to last season. His shooting percentage and positioning in front of the net have made him a constant threat, and opponents must account for his presence whenever he’s on the ice.

Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins projected lineup October 30 2025: defensive pairings

Buffalo’s blue line is anchored by captain Rasmus Dahlin paired with Mattias Samuelsson. Dahlin continues to log heavy minutes in all situations, quarterbacking the power play while also taking on difficult defensive assignments. Samuelsson provides the physical presence and shot-blocking ability that allows Dahlin to take calculated risks in the offensive zone.

The second pairing features Owen Power alongside Conor Timmins. Power, the former first overall pick, has shown steady improvement in his development, though Buffalo’s coaching staff continues to challenge him to be more assertive in puck battles and defensive coverage. Timmins brings offensive instincts from the back end and has shown chemistry with Power in moving the puck efficiently out of the defensive zone.

Bowen Byram and Mason Geertsen round out the defensive corps on the third pairing. Byram, acquired last season from Colorado, provides speed and transition ability. His skating allows Buffalo to quickly convert from defense to offense, though he must continue working on his positioning in his own end. Geertsen brings size and toughness, serving as more of a stay-at-home defenseman who can clear the crease and engage physically when necessary.

Notable absences for Buffalo include Jacob Bryson and Michael Kesselring, who are listed as scratches. Noah Ostlund also sits out, though reports indicate he could slot back into the lineup depending on Greenway’s availability and conditioning.

Boston’s defensive structure begins with the elite pairing of Nikita Zadorov and Charlie McAvoy. McAvoy remains one of the league’s premier two-way defensemen, capable of logging 25-plus minutes while excelling in all situations. Zadorov adds physicality and reach, using his 6’6” frame to separate opponents from pucks and protect the front of the net.

Hampus Lindholm returns to the lineup after missing the morning skate to be with his fiancée, who gave birth to a daughter. Lindholm will pair with Andrew Peeke on the second unit. This duo provides a nice balance of offensive capabilities and defensive responsibility, with Lindholm’s smooth skating complementing Peeke’s physical style.

The third pairing consists of Jonathan Aspirot and Henri Jokiharju. Aspirot, a younger player gaining NHL experience, benefits from playing alongside Jokiharju, who brings a veteran presence despite still being relatively young. This pairing has been solid in limited minutes, particularly in defensive zone coverage and penalty killing situations.

Mason Lohrei sits as a healthy scratch for Boston, providing defensive depth in case of injury or if coaching adjustments are needed during the game.

Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins projected lineup October 30 2025: goaltending matchup

Between the pipes for Buffalo, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to get the start as he seeks his first win of the season. The Finnish netminder has shown flashes of brilliance but has been hampered by inconsistent goal support and occasional lapses in concentration. Luukkonen recorded a no-decision earlier this year despite a strong performance, and he’ll be eager to secure a victory that could jumpstart his season and provide Buffalo with confidence in their crease.

Luukkonen’s save percentage and goals-against average require improvement if the Sabres hope to compete consistently. His lateral movement and ability to track the puck through traffic remain strengths, but he must be sharper on high-danger scoring chances, particularly against a skilled Boston forward group capable of creating quality opportunities from the slot.

Alex Lyon serves as the backup and provides a capable option should Luukkonen struggle or if the team opts to give him rest during an upcoming back-to-back situation. Lyon brings veteran experience and has demonstrated the ability to steal games when called upon.

For Boston, Joonas Korpisalo will make his second consecutive start after delivering an excellent 33-save performance in Tuesday’s 5-2 victory over the Islanders. Coach Marco Sturm confirmed after the morning skate that Korpisalo earned another opportunity to build momentum and potentially seize the starting role in what has been a shared crease situation.

Korpisalo’s performance against the Islanders showcased his ability to make timely saves and provide his team with confidence. His positioning and rebound control were particularly impressive, limiting second-chance opportunities that have plagued Boston at times this season. If he can replicate that level of play against Buffalo, the Bruins will have a significant advantage in the goaltending matchup.

Jeremy Swayman, the highly-paid netminder who signed a lucrative contract extension during the offseason, serves as backup tonight. Similar to recent matchups involving the Bruins, the goaltending tandem continues to share duties as the coaching staff evaluates both options and seeks consistent performance from the position. Swayman remains the long-term solution in goal, but Korpisalo’s recent success creates a healthy competition that could benefit Boston throughout the season.

Key injuries and lineup notes for Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins projected lineup October 30 2025

Buffalo’s injury report includes several significant absences that have impacted their lineup construction throughout October. Colten Ellis remains sidelined with a back injury, limiting the team’s goaltending depth. Tyson Kozak is out with a lower-body issue, while Justin Danforth and Josh Norris are both dealing with injuries that keep them off the ice.

The most notable storyline is Greenway’s expected return after a lengthy absence. His presence provides Buffalo with a power forward capable of winning puck battles along the boards and creating space for skilled linemates. At practice Wednesday, his conditioning appeared strong, and the coaching staff expressed optimism about his ability to contribute immediately despite the extended layoff.

Greenway’s return also allows the Sabres to roll four balanced lines, reducing the burden on their top-six forwards who have been tasked with generating the majority of the team’s offense. His familiarity with several teammates from previous stops in his career should ease his transition back into game action.

For Boston, the injury situation is less severe with only Jordan Harris listed on injured reserve with a lower-body problem. Harris’s absence has opened opportunities for younger defenders to gain experience, though the Bruins would benefit from his return as they seek to stabilize their blue line play.

The scratches for Boston include John Beecher, Jeffrey Viel, and Lohrei. These healthy scratches provide roster flexibility and allow the coaching staff to insert fresh legs if adjustments are needed during the game or in upcoming contests. According to Inside The Rink’s game preview, the Bruins have emphasized depth and competition throughout their lineup as they work to climb the standings after a disappointing start to the season.

What to watch in this Atlantic Division showdown

The special teams battle could determine the outcome of this contest. Buffalo’s power play has struggled to generate consistent scoring chances, particularly on the road where they’ve found it difficult to establish offensive zone time. Boston’s penalty kill has shown vulnerability at times, creating an opportunity for the Sabres to gain confidence with the man advantage.

Conversely, Boston’s power play features elite talent in Pastrnak and McAvoy, capable of making opponents pay for undisciplined play. Buffalo’s penalty kill will need to be sharp in limiting time and space, particularly on the Boston power play’s preferred umbrella formation that allows Pastrnak to unleash his one-timer from the left circle.

The physical tone will also be important, especially with Greenway’s return to Buffalo’s lineup. The Sabres have been pushed around at times this season, particularly in road environments where opponents have taken advantage of their youth and inexperience. Greenway’s willingness to engage physically and protect teammates could set a different tone than what Buffalo has displayed in recent games.

Boston’s home-ice advantage at TD Garden cannot be understated. The Bruins have thrived in front of their passionate fanbase this season, using crowd energy to fuel comebacks and sustained pressure shifts. Buffalo must weather the early storm and avoid falling behind early, as chasing games on the road has proven difficult for this young Sabres group.

The goaltending duel between Luukkonen and Korpisalo presents an intriguing subplot. Both netminders are seeking to establish themselves as reliable starters for their respective clubs. Whichever goaltender performs better in high-leverage moments—particularly during the crucial second period when momentum often shifts—will likely give his team the edge needed to secure two points.

According to the official NHL game preview, both teams emphasized the importance of starting on time and avoiding the self-inflicted mistakes that have plagued them at various points this season. Turnovers in the neutral zone and failed zone exits have created scoring chances for opponents, and the team that limits these errors will control possession and dictate the pace.

---

Tonight’s clash between Buffalo and Boston represents a critical juncture for both franchises as they navigate the demanding early-season schedule. The Sabres desperately need to find success away from home if they hope to remain in the playoff conversation, while the Bruins are working to establish consistency and climb back toward the top of the Atlantic Division. The return of Greenway for Buffalo and Korpisalo’s continued strong play for Boston add compelling storylines to a rivalry that never lacks intensity.

With puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at TD Garden, fans can expect a hard-fought contest between two teams searching for identity and momentum. The outcome could serve as a springboard for the winner while raising questions for the losing side about lineup combinations and strategic adjustments moving forward. As October turns to November, both the Sabres and Bruins understand that building positive momentum now could pay dividends when the playoff race intensifies in the spring.