Max Pacioretty gives emotional speech in return from injury.

The National Hockey League is just chalk full of special moments each and every season, and on Sunday we were treated to one of those moments when Washington Capitals forward Max Pacioretty gave a speech for the ages.

Pacioretty's career has been completely derailed by injury over the course of the last two seasons and although this was already his third game back, the typically high-scoring winner had yet to register a point. On Sunday however Pacioretty broke the ice when he set up a beautiful give and go play between Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Capitals forward Dylan Strome by picking the pocket of a Los Angeles Kings player and creating the opportunity for his teammates.

It was just an assist but after the game Pacioretty was recognized by Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery, and furthermore he was encouraged by his teammates to give a speech. Pacioretty's speech was likely more powerful and emotional than any of them could have anticipated, with the 35 year old clearly speaking from the heart.

"That was a rough two years for me boys," said Pacioretty, his voice breaking with emotion. "If I learned one thing it's to not take things for granted and that game proved we have a special group in here so let's never take that feeling for granted."