What happened: The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series at KeyBank Center. The win gives Buffalo a 1-0 lead in the series after both clubs advanced from physical opening-round matchups. SportsCenter highlighted the atmosphere as a return of meaningful playoff hockey to Buffalo.

Why it matters: Game 1 wins are historically significant in NHL series outcomes, and home ice has been a key storyline for the Sabres after closing out Boston in six games in the first round. Montreal arrives off a Game 7 win over Tampa Bay, meaning fatigue and travel could compound across the series. The result reinforces Buffalo's home-ice advantage heading into Game 2.

What to watch: Game 2 returns to Buffalo before the series shifts to Montreal. Watch for lineup adjustments from the Canadiens and whether the Sabres can protect home ice to take a 2-0 stranglehold.