With the announcement of one minute remaining, the Sabres pulled Crozier but struggled to muster any offense. Before five consecutive faceoffs, the fans conceded the outcome and displayed their emotions for the effort their Sabres had given. Chants of "Thank You Sabres" — a tribute that originated at the end of a long home unbeaten streak during the 1973 season and was heard once again with the Sabres on the brink of elimination from their very first playoff series a few months later — roared through the rafters.