BOSTON — While all eyes will be on Tyler Seguin in his NHL debut Wednesday night in Montreal, it's also going to be an important first game for another new Bruin.
Nathan Horton has already logged 422 games in the NHL with Florida since being drafted third overall in 2003 by the Panthers. But now Horton is in a true hockey market for the first time after being traded to Boston in June, and the star winger will don the Black and Gold sweater for the first time in the Bruins' preseason opener against the Canadiens.
"It's going to be good to finally get in a game," said Horton after the club's morning practice at the Garden before departing for Montreal. "I'm feeling better every day, but obviously I'm still a little nervous. I still wakeup and I'm sweating, because it's different. It's a change, but I couldn't be happier. It's been great so far and it keeps getting better."
Horton's first game as a Bruin will also mark his introduction to the club's storied rivalry with the Habs, but having spoken with some of his new teammates who have experienced these wars, Horton has an idea what to expect on Wednesday night in the Bell Centre.
"Not only have I talked to guys, but I've watched some of those games," said Horton. "It's crazy, the fans up there. It doesn't matter who's in the lineup, it's always going to be a battle. These are the games you get excited for. Even though it's preseason, it's still treated like a regular-season game because the rivalry is so big."
As for the other Bruin making a big debut in this game, Horton is confident that Seguin will acquit himself well.
"He'll be fine," said Horton. "He's such a great player. He's been through these things before. It's just another game. He has so much skill, I think he'll be just fine. I think he'll have a great game. I'm happy for him. It's exciting. He's an amazing player and every day he's getting more confident."
