BOSTON -- After the Bruins nerve-wracking 4-3 win over the New Jersey Devils, Johnny Boychuk, Andrew Ference, Nathan Horton, Milan Lucic and Dennis Seidenberg met with some of the military members and military families who received tickets to tonight’s game.

“A night like this, you want to reward them with a hard-fought effort and a win, and that’s exactly what it was tonight,” said Lucic.

The players spent time talking with the servicemen and women, signing autographs, and taking photos -- but unlike most meet and greets, their visitors were the ones in uniform.

“The stories are never less impressive. It’s amazing what they do for us and how they put their butts on the line,” said Ference. “You’re pretty humbled when you hear some of the stories.”

From beginning to end, those in attendance enjoyed the night -- especially the game’s final score.

“The win’s always the most important,” said Sean Germain, a member of the Air Force. But beyond that, “it was just great to be around the military and everybody that supports the military.”

“We didn’t really mean to make it that tight in the third period, but in the end, it’s a win, so that’s good,” said Seidenberg.

And while the night was the Bruins chance to show their appreciation for those who protect our country and make it possible for them to play the game they love, the thank yous came right back to them.

“[It’s] something small that sometimes you don’t really realize what it means,” said Boychuk. “[It] really goes a long way for them, and what they’re doing goes a long way for us as well."