There's a sea of red at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, and it's not all from Sabres fans. As the Buffalo Sabres host Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Montreal Canadiens, the stands are sprinkled with plenty of visiting supporters—a familiar sight for anyone who follows NHL rivalries.

This playoff run is a big deal for Buffalo, marking the team's first postseason appearance in 15 years and their first trip to the second round in 19 years. The city is buzzing with excitement, but the Canadiens faithful have traveled in force, bringing their signature red, white, and blue to enemy territory. In-arena cameras might try to avoid them, but if Montreal makes a big play, the TV broadcasts will surely catch those happy Habs fans celebrating.

The Canadiens have one of the most passionate and far-reaching fan bases in hockey, and they never miss a chance to show up—especially in a city just a few hours' drive from Montreal. So many Quebecois made the trip that Sabres fans took to social media as soon as the matchup was announced, pleading with locals not to sell tickets to visitors. But despite those efforts, the red-clad crowd made its presence felt.

Don't worry, Buffalo faithful—you still have the home-ice advantage. The Sabres aren't likely to be overpowered by the visiting fans. In fact, a little extra energy from the opposition could be just what the team needs. Buffalo has actually played better on the road this postseason, so maybe a dose of hostility will spark a strong response.

Whether you're rocking Sabres blue and gold or Canadiens red, this series is shaping up to be a classic. And if you're getting ready to cheer on your team, make sure your gear is game-ready—because in hockey, every detail counts.