No matter how many years a player has played in the league, there is still something about that first game in front of your home crowd, in your home building that brings out the butterflies.
"Whether it's on the road or at home, it's always exciting," Greene, who is entering his 13th season in the league and with the Devils franchise, said. "You get that nervous energy. If you didn't, it would be a little weird. It's the beginning of a new season. Playing in front of the home crowd will be good, they've supported us throughout the years and especially last season, it's fun to be back home and feel that energy."
For forward Brian Boyle, this will be a night he fondly remembers. Last season he could not participate in the season opener, having been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. This time around, Boyle is healthy and able to suit up with his teammates and be a part of all the pre-game festivities.
"The home opener is always something you look forward to," Boyle said. "You get to play in front of your fans, everyone likes playing at home."
"I'm excited to play," Boyle added. "To be able to go on the ice and raise your stick, do the whole [home opener] thing, instead of sitting on the bench in a suit and waiting around…that's never any fun. I'm excited. These are milestones for me, when I think about where I was at this time last season."
As for the game itself, the Devils welcome in the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Washington Capitals. Coach John Hynes won't change the winning lineup that defeated the Oilers in Sweden. The lineup looking as follows:
Hall-Hischier-Palmieri
Johansson-Zacha-Noesen
Wood-Zajac-Quenneville
Boyle-Coleman-Dea
Mueller-Vatanen
Greene-Severson
Butcher-Lovejoy
Kinkaid
Lack
