Rask: Playoffs feel like 'exhibition game' with no crowds

Boston Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask isn't feeling the typical intensity of postseason action without fans in the building.

"To be honest with you, it doesn't really feel like playoff hockey out there," Rask told reporters following Thursday's 3-2 loss.

"There's no fans so it feels like playing an exhibition game," he added.

The Vezina Trophy candidate said the traditional playoff format has helped build some excitement but that fans bring a crucial element to the competition.

"You play a best-of-seven series so there's going to be some battles going on and whatnot, but when you play at your home rink and you play at the away rink, and there's fans cheering for you and against you, and it creates a buzz around the series," he said. "So there's none of that, so it just feels dull at times."

Rask made 23 saves in the Game 2 defeat as the Carolina Hurricanes evened the series at one game apiece. Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.