Before Bruins-Sabres Game 5, Buffalo fans rescued the Canadian anthem after singer’s mic cut out

It's the latest in a proud tradition of hockey fans occasionally singing the anthem on their own.

Fans cheer Bowen Byram of the Sabres as he warms up prior to Game 5 in Buffalo. Joe Hrycych/Getty Images

April 29, 2026 | 10:46 AM

3 minutes to read

Buffalo fans made the most out of a tech glitch: Before the puck dropped in Game 5 of the Bruins-Sabres first-round playoff series on Tuesday, an unprompted display of international unity briefly seemed to transcend hockey.

As is tradition in Buffalo (as well as Detroit), both the Canadian and United States national anthems are sung before games even if no Canadian teams are playing (reflecting both the many Canadians on teams’ rosters, and as part of the fanbases).

But as singer Cami Clune began her rendition of “O Canada” at KeyBank Center, the microphone started to intermittently cut out.

Sensing this, Buffalo fans quickly rallied to sing along with Clune. The result was a moving display of a U.S. crowd belting out the Canadian anthem:

Obviously the game ended in a disappointment for the home crowd (much to Boston fans’ delight), as the Bruins emerged victorious 2-1 in overtime to prolong the series.

Yet Sabres fans — watching their team in the playoffs for the first time in 15 years — have acquitted themselves quite well since stepping back into the NHL’s postseason spotlight.

The crowd’s display continues a stirring tradition of NHL fans periodically taking the anthem into their own hands at various moments. Edmonton Oilers fans collectively covered a faulty mic in 2017, singing a rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.

For Bruins fans, one of the more emotional moments following the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 was Rene Rancourt letting the crowd lead in the singing of the anthem. It was the first local sports event following the tragedy, and the decision to defer to the collective voice within TD Garden remains iconic:

Trivia: One player holds the Sabres’ record for goals, assists, and points. Can you name him?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: A Hall of Famer, he helped Buffalo reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1975.

Scores and schedules:

The Bruins defeated the Sabres 2-1 in overtime in Game 5 of the first-round playoff series on Tuesday to save their season. The two teams meet for Game 6 on Friday at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m.

The Celtics lost to the 76ers 113-97 in their own Game 5 of a first-round playoff series on Tuesday. Boston still leads Philadelphia 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, and can close it out on the road Thursday at 8 p.m.

The Red Sox lost Blue Jays 3-0 on Tuesday. The two teams play again in Toronto today at 3:07 p.m.

Tonight, Legacy FC host the North Carolina Courage at 7 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. Elsewhere, the Revolution host Orlando City in a U.S. Open Cup matchup at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket at 7:30 p.m.

Tomorrow, the Fleet begin the 2026 PWHL playoffs at the Tsongas Center in Game 1 against the Ottawa Charge at 7 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

Bruce Cassidy interviewing David Pastrnak: The former Bruins coach, now a studio analyst, spoke to the Bruins’ Game 5 hero after the win.

A game for the ages: If you missed it — and want an early look at some of the likely stars of this summer’s World Cup — the first leg of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League semifinal between PSG and Bayern Munich was absolutely electric. Defending champions PSG won the game 5-4, but the German giants nearly fought their way back to a draw heading into next week’s second leg at home.

On this day: In 1986, the Red Sox defeated the Marines 3-1 with Dwight Evans smashing a three-run home run.

The story of the game, however, was the performance of Boston starter Roger Clemens. Then in the midst of what would become an MVP (and Cy Young) season, Clemens struck out an MLB-record 20 Seattle batters in a mesmerizing display.

Daily highlight: What else could it be this morning but David Pastrnak’s game-winning overtime goal for the Bruins in Game 5, keeping Boston’s season alive for a few more days.