It took a motherlode of losing for the Sabres finally to get back to where they are today, about to face the Bruins on Sunday night in their first playoff series since 2011.

Buffalo's 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Friday night wrapped up a 4-2 series victory, securing it a spot in the second round for the first time since 2007.

That they were so dominant in the 617, where the Bruins won 29 games, was surprising.