About 1,800 ice hockey-thirsty spectators were in the stands in Madison Square Garden when the New York Rangers hosted Boston in NHL ice hockey.
Relieved restrictions mean that ten percent of the maximum capacity is allowed and even though the traditional arena was for the most part empty, the small audience meant a boost for the home team.
- We definitely got a little spark, no doubt about it.
I had some goosebumps and felt an energy I had not felt for a long time during the national anthem, says Rangers Ryan Strome, who accounted for one goal and two assists in the game, according to the NHL's site.
The match did not offer any great excitement, as Rangers took the lead 13:16 into the first period and then never let it go, and the final result was 6-2.
Six goals also meant the season's highest goal harvest for the home team.
- I really liked a lot of our game tonight.
I thought we were ready to play from the time the puck was released.
I think all four chains were involved.
And I think our defensive strengths played well as did our goalkeeper.
So it was really a team effort, says Rangers coach David Quinn.
Swedish center Mika Zibanejad had 18 minutes to play and managed to score three shots on goal, but lost points.