Carolina Hurricanes center Evgeny Kuznetsov was welcomed back to Washington with thunderous applause Friday night.

In the first period of the Canes and Washington Capitals game, the Caps played a tribute video on the jumbotron.

The crowd was loud with applause and started to chant "Kuzy, Kuzy, Kuzy," as the video played out.

"That was special," Kuznetsov said after the game. "I think both crowds, the one in Raleigh right away and then this crowd cheered for me. It means the world for any player. I want to say thanks for all the good and bad memories. It was an amazing atmosphere. I spent a lot of years here, so it was all happy today."

Kuznetsov acknowledged the crowd with a spin on the ice and a wave of his stick.

Speaking to Hanna Yates on Bally Sports after the period, Kuznetsov spoke a bit more on the moment:

"It was pretty cool to be back where it all started," Kuznetsov said. "Thanks to the fans and the other team for clapping for me. It was a nice video. It's going to be emotional every time I come back here because it was my second home for a long time. Just got to make sure I play my game."