Buffalo fans rescued the Canadian anthem after singer’s mic cut out

Boston Bruins

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

By Hayden Bird

April 29, 2026 | 10:46 am

3 minutes to read

Buffalo fans made the most of a technical glitch: Before the puck dropped in Game 5 of the Bruins-Sabres’ first-round playoff series on Tuesday, the unlikely display of international unity seemed to briefly bypass hockey.

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

But when singer Cami Clune began performing “O Canada” at the KeyBank Centre, her microphone began intermittently cutting out.

Sensing this, Buffalo fans quickly rallied to sing along to Clune. The result was a moving performance of an American audience singing the Canadian anthem:

The game clearly ended in disappointment for the home crowd (much to the delight of Boston fans), as the Bruins prevailed 2-1 in overtime to extend the series.

However, Sabers fans — watching their team in the playoffs for the first time in 15 years — have acquitted themselves well since their return to the NHL’s postseason spotlight.

The crowd show continues the exciting tradition of NHL fans periodically taking the anthem into their hands at various moments. Edmonton Oilers fans collectively covered up a faulty microphone in 2017, Sing a rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.

For Bruins fans, one of the most emotional moments following the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 was Rene Rancourt allowing the crowd to lead the singing of the national anthem. This was the first local sporting event after the tragedy, and the decision to defer to the collective voice inside TD Garden remains remarkable:

Trivia: One play holds the Sabers’ team record for goals, assists and points. Can you name it?

(Answer below).

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

Results and timelines:

The Bruins defeated the Sabers 2-1 in overtime in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday to save their season. The two teams will meet in the sixth match on Friday at TD Garden at 7:30 pm

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

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

Tonight, Legacy FC hosts the North Carolina Courage at 7pm at Gillette Stadium. Elsewhere, the Revolution host Orlando City in US Open Cup action at Centerville 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 interviews David Pasternak: The former Bruins coach, now a studio analyst, spoke to the Bruins Game 5 champion after the win.

A game for the ages: If you missed it – and want an early look at some of the potential stars of this summer’s World Cup – the first leg of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich was very exciting. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain won the match 5-4, but the German giants almost equalized ahead of next week’s second leg at home.

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

But the story of the game was the performance of Boston’s Roger Clemens. Then in the midst of what would become his MVP (and Cy Young) season, Clemens struck out an MLB-record 20 homers for Seattle in a mesmerizing display.

Daily highlight: What 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.

Trivia answer: Gilbert Perrault