from Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun,

The absence of fans has created a dull atmosphere that’s the same in every rink, and don’t think players and coaches haven’t noticed.

“The no-fans is definitely wearing on guys more (as) it goes,” Winnipeg Jets defenceman Nathan Beaulieu said before the Jets took on the Oilers, Monday. “Especially in games that are emotional and tight. If you need that extra boost, if you’re playing a back-to-back, we miss the fans more than we (let on). They’re such a big part of our game. That’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed.”

Home teams pipe in some crowd noise, but it’s more of a muffled, continuous droning, often not in sync with the play and nothing like it would be with 15,000-20,000 partisans in the building.

A big hit? Silence. A bad call by the stripes? Nothing.

There’s no catcalls, no jeering the visitors.

“I agree with that,” Jets coach Paul Maurice said of Beaulieu’s assessment. “And I feel it. Playing is way more fun than not playing, but it’s way off, playing without fans. It’s not nearly as much fun. It’s not nearly as exciting. If there were never any fans in the building, I’m not quite sure how excited you would be to do this job. It’s kind of mechanical a little bit.

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