One storyline last season was how the Buffalo Sabres' success brought about new and old rivalries.
In the opening round against the Boston Bruins, tempers ran high in the Sabres' series victory. In Game 6, Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy delivered a slash with both hands against Buffalo winger Zach Benson. It was a dirty play, and McAvoy was given a game misconduct.
He then was suspended by the NHL for the first six games of the upcoming season. None of those six games will be against the Sabres.
The Sabres will have a chance to play McAvoy and the Bruins the first time on Jan. 5, 2027
That game will be in Boston. The first time the Sabres fandom will let McAvoy know how they feel next season won't be until April 1, 2027. Buffalo's only two home games against the B's next season come in a span of a week in early April at the tail end of the regular season.
It will be interesting to see how the defender is received after the dirty play. The Sabres and Bruins actually face off three times in the last few weeks of next season.
McAvoy and Benson may have an ice rivalry that is emblematic of how the Sabres and Bruins may be viewing their matchups next year.
They both play within the Atlantic Division and were competing with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens in the standings last season. The Sabres prevailed as 2025-26 Atlantic Division champions. Two years ago, they were competing for the last place in the division.
As both teams returned to the playoffs, now they will be hoping to stay rivals and stay atop the division. Having players on either side of the ice, the fanbase does not like will enhance that rivalry as the season begins soon.
Benson was a physical player during the playoff series. He may have the same reception in Boston as McAvoy may have in Buffalo. Competition breeds the best in many players.
But Benson was not the one who used his stick as a weapon during the series. The league clearly has its eye on McAvoy, and he could have a short leash if he continues his style of play and dirty antics.
The Sabres lost the likes of Jordan Greenway, so it is curious, who may take a strong hit on McAvoy when the teams face off. Buffalo should stay in the perimeters of clean but strong play.
As training camp is set to begin, the Sabres may just have Jan. 5 circled when they get their first chance at McAvoy and the Bruins again.
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