You would think it was 2016 the way SAP Center looked Friday night.
Brent Burns jerseys filled the arena with fans on their feet cheering as Burns stood on the ice waving at them.
But it’s not 2016, it’s 2022 -- three months after San Jose traded Burns to the Carolina Hurricanes. And for the first time since March 17, 2011, the 37-year-old defenseman entered SAP Center as an opponent.
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San Jose welcomed their old friend back to the Shark Tank as they hosted the Carolina Hurricanes for their true home opener on Friday night.
And as expected, it was an emotional night before the puck was even dropped.
A special tribute video was played on the jumbo screen and emotions ran deep.
Burns fought back tears as fans gave him a well-deserved standing ovation.
The long-beared, animal and pizza lover spent 11 years and almost 800 games with the Sharks and really became a superstar in San Jose. During his prime, he was recognized as one of the most dangerous and most prolific defensemen in the league. At the end of the 2016-17 season, Burns won the James Norris Memorial Trophy.
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He helped the Sharks reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 2016 before losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.
Regardless, he's a South Bay legend. Now and forever. And that won't go away no matter what jersey he has on.