The 35-year-old picked up his first assist since 2021-22 in the Capitals' 4-3 win over the Kings.

WASHINGTON — It had been two years since Max Pacioretty last saw an assist on the scoresheet. And in his third game back from a re-torn Achilles, he made the most of things by collecting a helper and playing a pivotal role on the top line in a 4-3 win for the Washington Capitals — and it was an emotional moment for him.

Pacioretty forced a turnover in the offensive zone and poked the puck in front to a waiting Dylan Strome, who was on a 2-on-0 break in front of the net with Alex Ovechkin. Strome scored on the ensuing give-and-go, and Pacioretty found the scoresheet for the first time this season and for the first time after 11 months away from the game.

The 35-year-old got a puck for his milestone postgame, and he was fighting heavy emotions as he spoke about what the feat meant to him.

“That was a rough two years for me, boys," he told the room after the win. "And if I learned one thing, it’s not to take things for granted. And that game proved we have a special group in here. Let's make sure we never take that feeling for granted."

His teammates joined in with major applause and congratulations as he held tightly onto his game puck.

Pacioretty played in just five games last year after tearing his Achilles in offseason training in August, and on Jan. 19, 2023, he tore the same tendon again. He spent a lot of time in bed while recovering, questioning whether or not he would be able to play again, but found a spark thanks to support from his family and a love for the game.

He signed a one-year, $2 million deal to join the Capitals this season and debuted back on Wednesday. He continues to feel better each game, and the team has seen improvement, too.

"He gets better and better," head coach Spencer Carbery said after the victory.