It was the first time fans were in attendance at Scotiabank Arena since before last season was paused due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The health care workers waved towels, wore masks and mostly Maple Leafs gear, although there were some Canadiens shirts in the crowd as well.
Fans were not seated in the lower bowl, but in the very next section away from the ice, putting some distance between the workers and players.
That wasn't a problem for Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner, who launched a souivenir puck up to a lucky fan just after pregame warmups were complete.