BOSTON - Bruins forward Chris Kelly desperately wanted a win Wednesday. Not for the two points that would have pushed the Bruins into a clear-cut division lead but for the fans who united after the Boston Marathon bombings.
"We wanted to put a smile on our fans' faces, and I'm upset we didn't," Kelly said.
The Buffalo Sabres won 3-2 in a shootout after tying the score with 27 seconds left. Both teams remained on the ice and saluted the fans.
"You really see why Boston is such a special city," Bruins forward Brad Marchand said. "You're out there with thousands of people you don't know, but it's like we're all one. It was special tonight. Even Buffalo staying out there and us staying out there, we just wanted to show our respect and give thanks for the fans."
Said Sabres forward Cody Hodgson: "We feel for the city of Boston and the people involved. It affects everybody. (The stick salute) was something we talked about. A quick tribute to them and what they have done."
Because the game went to overtime, the Bruins earned a point and clinched a spot in the playoffs. But for Boston's Patrice Bergeron, who returned from a concussion, that wasn't what he was playing for Wednesday night.
"What happened the last few days, it put things into perspective," he said. "You make sure you realize that we're trying to do this for our city and it was special to be part of it."
The game was full of special moments.
Rene Rancourt took the ice at TD Garden, accompanied by the Boston Fire Department Honor Guard, ready to deliver his signature rendition of the national anthem.
After singing a few verses, Rancourt lowered his microphone and conducted as 17,565 proud Bostonians delivered a bone-chilling Star-Spangled Banner.
"It was emotional, and in a way made you feel proud of the city, our fans and of the solidarity that was shown throughout," Bruins coach Claude Julien said.
There was a moment of silence and a "Boston Strong" video to honor the victims and first responders from Monday's twin explosions.
Rather than booming "Let's go, Bruins," fans erupted with energetic "Let's go, Boston" chants.
The Bruins organization announced $250,000 had been donated to a fund for families most affected by Monday's events. Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs pledged $100,000, and the TD Garden, NHL and NHL Players' Association each donated $50,000.
Fans gathered on Causeway Street before the game, and not even patrolling helicopters and security vehicles deterred them. They piled into the arena clad in American flags and carrying signs that read "Pray for Boston" and "Boston strong." One held a sign that said, "Boston: Strongest city in America."
"There was an eerie feeling in the city," said fan Mary Cassano of Boxford, Mass. "But I'm not afraid to be here at all. People become stronger for something like this. We're tough people, and it brings you closer together."