There's a tradition in Buffalo that's been turning heads this postseason, and it has nothing to do with goals or saves. It's about the music before the puck drops.

Yes, the Buffalo Sabres still play "O Canada" before their home games—even when they're facing a Canadian team in the playoffs. And that tradition is alive and well as they prepare to host the Montreal Canadiens for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Wednesday.

It doesn't matter who the opponent is. The Sabres have played both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems before every home game since the franchise's inception more than 50 years ago. "O Canada" comes first, followed by "The Star-Spangled Banner." Simple as that.

Why? Because Buffalo is just a few miles from the Canadian border. The team has always drawn a significant number of fans from across the line. They've also had plenty of prominent Canadian players over the decades—and yes, even the team name is spelled in a Canadian style.

This tradition hit a heartwarming moment in Game 5 of the first round. When the microphone cut out during "O Canada," the entire arena rose to the occasion, singing the anthem together without missing a beat. It was a viral moment that perfectly captured what makes this ritual so special.

The Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings are the only two U.S.-based NHL teams that play both anthems before games. But the Red Wings are watching from home this spring. The Sabres, meanwhile, are hosting a Canadian team in a playoff series for the first time in 19 years.

And nothing will change about the anthems. It'll be both, as usual. For Buffalo, it's not just a tradition—it's a welcome mat for the fans and players who make hockey what it is on both sides of the border.