Carolina Hurricanes forward Evgeny Kuznetsov felt the love from his new fans after burying his first goal with the club in Thursday's win over the Florida Panthers.

Kuznetsov fired a wrister past Sergei Bobrovsky in the second period and broke out his patented bird celebration in front of a raucous PNC Arena. He was named the game's first star after the victory.

"I just want to say thanks to the fans. I almost cry a little bit," Kuznetsov said after the game, per Bally Sports.

"It's been a long time for me, I've been dealing with some big issues. That support is huge for me. My wife was here tonight, kids watching, parents. So that's all for them."

Thursday marked Kuznetsov's fourth game with the Hurricanes since being acquired from the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline. The 31-year-old played 11 seasons in the U.S. capital but has endured a difficult 2023-24 campaign. Kuznetsov entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in February and was then placed on waivers.

He believes landing in Carolina has been the reset he needed.

"It's been phenomenal for me," Kuznetsov said. "I'm living my best days, trying to take it day-by-day. I'm enjoying it."

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