Patrik Laine injured in early November and has missed 19 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
But last night he was back when the Nashville Predators visited.
It was Laine's first match since his father Harri Laine died.
- This was probably one of the only matches my dad did not see me play, so it was definitely emotional before the match, says Laine according to NHL.com.
Early in the second period, Columbus took the lead with 2-1, through Patrik Laine.
The 23-year-old received a pass from Jakub Voracek in front of the box and was able to put the puck in there via David Rittich's club in the Predator goal.
- I tried to make him proud.
I know he always wanted me to work hard every time I went out on the ice.
That was my mentality tonight.
It's nice to be back, says Laine.
Gustav Nyquist decided
It was 3-3 after regular playing time and a goalless extra time later awaited penalties.
Only in the fifth round did the decision come.
Gustav Nyquist outsmarted Rittich and when Predator's Eeli Tolvanen put the puck in the post on the subsequent penalty, it was clear that Columbus could collect the first victory since the eleventh of December.
Adam Boqvist, who missed three games due to an injury, provided an assist in the penalty win.