Although the Bell Center is still perceived as an intimidating place for the opposing team, it is not the most difficult place to play in the National Hockey League (NHL), according to a survey of players.
According to quarter players surveyed by the NHL website During the press tour, the home of the Carolina Hurricanes was the least hospitable place on the entire Bettman circuit. Seven of the 29 players chose the Lenovo Center in Raleigh.
In addition to the constant noise of the Caniacs in the stands, the arena includes perhaps the worst locker room for the visiting team in the entire NHL.
“It’s tough in Carolina,” former Hurricanes guard Brady Skjei said. I would say Carolina is probably the hardest place to be because it's so noisy. And the locker room of the opposing team is far from ideal. But it’s nice to play there when you’re part of the home team.”
Sam Reinhart of the Florida Panthers agrees.
“That's the whole setup. They fill the building with fans to make the arena look smaller. The atmosphere is different. I don't like the opposing team's locker room, so that doesn't help.”
Montreal… and others
In second place is the home of a Canadian, who received three votes. Seven other arenas received more than one vote.
“Everyone there knows everything about hockey,” said Calgary Flames junior goaltender Dustin Wolf. They love hockey very much and know a lot about the sport.”
The 24-year-old goalie still won his only start at the Bell Center since the start of his young career, stopping 22 of the 24 shots he faced.
As for Canadian captain Nick Suzuki, he chose Boston's TD Garden as the most difficult amphitheater to play in the NHL.
“It’s always hard to win in Boston,” he said. The fans there are always noisy, especially against our team.”
CH #14 was right when he said that the Bruins are always tough to beat at home… The Habs haven't won at TD Garden in Boston since January 14, 2019.
