The Blue Jackets welcomed fans back to Nationwide Arena at 10% capacity -- up to 1,953 people -- for their home win over the Red Wings. The crowd "kept growing louder and louder as the game went on." Before players took the ice, the Blue Jackets "showed a video to welcome the fans." It took "some time for the crowd to settle in, among among all that was different with the protocols." But as the "game went along, the strangeness seemed to melt away" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 3/3).
We missed you! #CBJ #SoundOn pic.twitter.com/oaLe1B744A
— Nationwide Arena (@NationwideArena) March 3, 2021
Meanwhile, it "felt like a hockey night in Pittsburgh" as the Penguins had PPG Paints Arena at about 15% capacity for their 5-2 win against the Flyers. Penguins RW Kasperi Kapanen said, “Even though there was 2,800 tonight, it felt like there was 20,000.” This marked the "first time this season" Penguins fans were able to attend a home game (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 3/3).
"The Penguins were fueled by the great fans of Pittsburgh."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 3, 2021
We couldn't have said it better ourselves, @MearsyNHL! pic.twitter.com/iGzQI6UPRf
