Flyers celebrate longtime forward Simmonds in return to Philadelphia

Wayne Simmonds returned to Wells Fargo Center as a rival, but that didn't stop Philadelphia Flyers fans from showing him the love.

The New Jersey Devils forward received a hero's welcome and highlight montage in his first game in Philadelphia as a visitor since Feb. 13, 2011.

Simmonds was a beloved member of the Flyers, scoring 203 goals and 378 points in 584 NHL games in Philadelphia and playing a rugged style that made him a fan favorite. But he was traded to the Nashville Predators on Feb. 25 then signed a one-year contract with the Devils on July 1.
The montage video featured emotional testimonials from Flyers players, including forward James van Riemsdyk, defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and captain and former linemate Claude Giroux.
Simmonds waved his appreciation to the crowd, who gave him a standing ovation after the montage while Flyers players tapped their sticks to celebrate him.
Tears were shed too, though Simmonds admirably kept it together through it all.