DeSimone has appeared in eight games for the Devils since making his debut on March 14 against the Dallas Stars.
Only 19 miles separates KeyBank Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres, from East Amherst, New York, which is located northeast of downtown Buffalo.
For New Jersey Devils defenseman Nick DeSimone, East Amherst is home, and for the first time in his professional hockey career, he is set to play in his hometown arena.
"I haven't been able to have the chance to play here, so if I do play here, it'll be really cool," DeSimone said to reporters on Thursday. "Obviously, it's cool for me, but for my family, all that my parents have done, my brother, my sister, sacrifices they made, and things they've done to help me. A lot of friends, too, and mentors and people that have helped me. It's a lot of names. It'll be cool for them to experience that."
The blueliner told Devils' radio play-by-play announcer Matt Loughlin that he would have a good turnout on Friday night, with around 30 people in attendance.
Since making his Devils debut on March 14, DeSimone has been a pleasant surprise. He has contributed offensively, potting a goal and earning an assist, and has been reliable in his own end.
More often than not, the defenseman flies under the radar and keeps things simple. DeSimone blocks shots, helps move the puck out of the defensive zone and does not make many glaring mistakes that would negatively draw fans' attention.
"He's playing well," Green said of his defenseman. "He's playing some big minutes right now, obviously against top lines. He was out for a while and didn't get in the game. When you go from not playing at all for a month and a half to getting thrown right into the fire and playing important minutes, it's a great opportunity for him, and he's played well doing it."
Puck drop between the Devils and Sabres is at 7:00 P.M. The game will be broadcast on MSGN.