BOSTON (AP) — Patrice Bergeron had three assists in regulation and the game-winner in the shootout on Saturday to lead the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins into the postseason with a 4-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.
The Sabres had already been eliminated from the playoff race.
Tyler Seguin scored twice, and Brad Marchand also had a goal for the Bruins, who had already clinched the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. They will open the playoffs next week against either Ottawa or Washington.
Brad Boyes scored twice for the Sabres, who finished with 89 points — three points out of the playoffs.
Tim Thomas stopped 25 shots for the Bruins.
Jhonas Enroth made 37 saves for Buffalo.
