The lights in KeyBank Center dimmed, a spotlight shined on the Buffalo Sabres emblem at center ice and 23 of Don Granato’s players filed out of the tunnel Thursday night.
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Photos: Sabres open season with 5-1 win over Montreal
Let's Go Buffalo
Jeff and Joanne Ely take a selfie during the party in the plaza prior to the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Back in the arena
An overall as the Buffalo Sabres play the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at KeyBank Center on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Quick first goal
The Buffalo Sabres celebrate Kyle Okposo's goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at KeyBank Center, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Oops
Montreal Canadiens player Christian Dvorak falls into the door of the bench during the third period.
Dahlin at the point
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) moves the puck against Montreal Canadiens left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) during the first period at KeyBank Center, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Girgensons
Buffalo Sabres left wing Zemgus Girgensons (28) tries to slip past Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans (71) during the first period at KeyBank Center, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Eakin
Cody Eakin.
Tripped up
Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) trips Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) during the second period.
In command
Buffalo Sabres left wing Jeff Skinner (53) and left wing Zemgus Girgensons (28) celebrate teammate Tage Thompson's goal on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault (35) during the third period.
Cozens in front
Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozensis stopped by Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault during the first period at the KeyBank Center on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News)
Jokiharju
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju interferes with Montreal Canadiens forward Mathieu Perreault during the second period in the season-opening win last month.
Coach Granato
Buffalo Sabres head coach Don Granato looks on from the bench against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period.
Anderson saves
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson makes a save on Montreal Canadiens forward Christian Dvorak during the second period.
Montembeault feels the heat
Buffalo Sabres left wing Zemgus Girgensons (28) and left wing Jeff Skinner (53) have a chance in front of Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault (35) during the second period.
Another celebration
Buffalo Sabres left wing Victor Olofsson (71) and center Dylan Cozens (24) celebrate Olofsson's goal on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault during the second period.
Heads up
Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens looks to pass against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period.
Tage in the spotlight
Tage Thompson (72) celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period.
Olofsson's goal
Buffalo Sabres left wing Victor Olofsson (71) celebrates his goal during the second period.
Bjork notches one
The Buffalo Sabres celebrate Anders Bjork's goal during the second period.
Drum line
Buffalo Stampede Drumline performs at the party in the plaza prior to the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Nerds Gone Wild
Nerds Gone Wild perform at the party in the plaza prior to the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Party in the Plaza
Hockey fans gather for the party in the plaza prior to the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens at the KeyBank Center on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Vintage Gare
Buffalo Sabres alumni Danny Gare shows off one of his jerseys worn by Beth Karolewski at the party in the plaza prior to the Sabres playing the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Stylin' hair
Ju Ju Hawkins styles the hair of Becky Kudziel during the party in the plaza prior to the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Jamie & Jake
Jamie and Jake Buczek enjoy the party in the plaza prior to the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Okposo
Buffalo Sabres right wing Kyle Okposo (21) warms up before the Buffalo Sabres season opener at KeyBank Center, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Remembering Robert
Buffalo Sabres alumni Rene Robert is remembered prior to the Sabres playing the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at KeyBank Center on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Pint sized fans
Kelsey and Coby Cavallari, ages 2 and 6, watch the players warmup before the Buffalo Sabres season opener at KeyBank Center, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
Anthem
Players line up for the anthems before the Buffalo Sabres season opener against the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.
