What happened: Buffalo took Game 1 of its second-round series against Montreal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. It was the franchise's first playoff victory beyond the opening round since the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals. The Sabres now lead the series 1-0 as it shifts deeper into the bracket.

Why it matters: The result snaps a generation-long stretch of postseason futility for a franchise that has been one of the NHL's longest playoff-drought stories. Coming off a 4-1 first-round dispatch of Boston, Buffalo is validating a deep run with a marquee Original Six matchup. A 2-0 lead Saturday would put the Sabres on the doorstep of their first conference final appearance in nearly two decades.

What to watch: Game 2 is in Buffalo before the series shifts to Montreal. Watch whether the Sabres can protect home ice and how the Canadiens respond after dropping the opener on the road.