In the wake of the terrible events that unfolded Monday afternoon at the Boston Marathon, the Bruins, who were scheduled to take on the Ottawa Senators that night, had their game postponed, making tonight’s home game against the Sabres the team’s first game since the incident.
And fans were eager to show their resiliency in the face of tragedy.
Leading up to puck drop, the Boston Fire Department Honor Guard presented the nation’s colors as representatives of all of Boston’s first responders. Then, as usual, Rene Rancourt took to the ice to sing the national anthem.
Rancourt didn’t get to finish, however, as he was cut off and overtaken by the chorus of thousands of fans throughout the arena as they took over and finished the anthem sans Rancourt. Throughout the duration of the anthem, video panned the audience to show fans holding signs, waving flags and singing through the anthem without Rancourt to lead them. After the anthem was complete (and the Boston fans hit the high note quite nicely), massive applause thundered through the arena as a “USA” chant arose through the crowd. You can see video of the anthem below.
The Bruins, who are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference with 56 points, will make up their match against the Senators on Sunday, April 28. The Bruins, along with TD Garden, the NHL and the NHLPA, have pledged $250,000 to The One Fund, which was created to help those affected by the bombing. Players are also sporting “Boston Strong” decals on their helmets during tonight’s game.
