TAMPA, Fla. — The partisan crowd cheered every time a Tampa Bay Lightning player touched the puck or was shown on the scoreboard video screen Sunday.
But the loudest — and most emotional — reception at Amalie Arena was saved for New Jersey forward Brian Boyle.
The former Lightning player received an ear-splitting ovation from the 19,092 in attendance during pregame introductions for the NHL All-Star Game.
”I hope they know by now that this meant a lot to me,” Boyle said. “I think this has been just spectacular for me, and I’m never going to forget this experience.