On January 4, 1976, CBS decided to televise the Soviet Wings/Buffalo Sabres Super Series game nationally. They likely did not expect very many viewers (with the exception of those in and near Buffalo and "rink rats" elsewhere) to watch as the game went head to head with the on NBC. The game also had to be over by 3:30 p.m. EST so that CBS is ready to broadcast the pregame for the . So to save two minutes, they cut "O Canada" much to the dismay of those attending at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium.