The ex-Capitals center got on the scoresheet and first star honors in his fourth game with the Hurricanes.

For the Carolina Hurricanes, watching Evgeny Kuznetsov break out into his iconic "Birdman" celebration wasn't always exactly a welcome sight. Now, they can't get enough, and the ex-Washington Capitals center was able to flap his wings for the first time as he finally found the scoresheet four games into his tenure.

Kuznetsov scored his first goal since returning from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program en route to a big 4-0 win over the Florida Panthers on Thursday, and the fan support he received nearly brought tears to his eyes.

"I almost cry a little bit," Kuznetsov told Bally Sports rinkside reporter Hanna Yates. "It's been a long time for me. I've been dealing with some big issues, so that support is huge for me."

Kuznetsov's wife and two children were also in attendance as he got back to his scoring ways and earned first-star honors.

The Russian center, who is now up to 18 points through 47 games, also feels that he is benefitting from a fresh start, and he also added that he understands that he was brought in to be a top contributor.

"I understand why I'm here and why this team brought me in, not just to be the funny guy who smiles," Kuznetsov said. "They need us to perform, and they need us to eventually get the points and goals so we can help the team. It felt like today was the day we had to step up."

Kuznetsov was traded from the Capitals to the Hurricanes following a couple of frustrating seasons and bouts of inconsistency. He was originally waived as he asked for a change of scenery but was ultimately dealt for a 2025 third-round pick.

The 31-year-old has one year left on his contract and is a two-time All-Star, and he is hopeful he can rediscover that in Carolina.

"This is my last chance," he said after arriving in Carolina.

THN's Ryan Henkel contributed quotes to this report.