Tuesday was an emotional day for Patrick Marleau, as it was the veteran centre's first game in San Jose where he would be playing against the Sharks and not for them.
When you spend 19 seasons with a team, things are bound to get emotional. Before puck drop, former Maple Leafs forward Darcy Tucker reminisced on his own experience of making an emotional return, citing his trip back to Toronto after his departure in 2008, also sending Marleau his best wishes in the process.
It doesn't matter how tough of a hockey player you are -- it's always tough to say hello after saying goodbye. Tucker, who spent just over seven seasons with the Leafs, became a fan favourite in Toronto, so it's easy to see why the forward was so emotional upon his return.
Prior to the start of the game, the Sharks prepared a special tribute video for Marleau, leading to the former captain getting a standing ovation that lasted for nearly five whole minutes. Toronto may be Marleau's new home, but he's clearly still very much welcome in San Jose.
