Carter Hart’s long-awaited NHL return was nothing short of emotional. He was nearly two years away from the league before debuting for the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night. This moment came weeks after being officially cleared to play following his acquittal in the 2018 Hockey Canada case.The moment overwhelmed the 27-year-old goaltender."Skating out onto the ice for the first time... It didn't really sink in until the National Anthem," Hart said to the media postgame. "I was kind of looking around, and that feeling that you're back playing."It's been a really difficult journey to get back. I wouldn't have been able to do it without my family and friends. I'm just so happy to be playing the game again."Hart backed that emotion with performance, stopping 27 of 30 shots in Vegas’ 4-3 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Although the Golden Knights held a lead for just 56 seconds in the first period, Hart stood tall in the shootout to secure his first victory with his new team. His teammates immediately mobbed him in celebration.Hart said it was "just amazing," adding that it felt great to be back playing hockey with the guys."Like just to be back playing hockey with the guys," Hart said. "Everybody here has been so great. It's... They've been very welcoming. The organization's been awesome, and I'm just grateful for everything and for the opportunity here."The game marked Hart’s first NHL action since January 2024, following a lengthy leave from the Philadelphia Flyers, due to his involvement in the Hockey Canada case. He returned after signing a two-year, $4 million contract with Vegas in late October.Carter Hart credited his Vegas teammates for their helpThe Golden Knights' Ivan Barbashev opened the scoring just 27 seconds in when his pass deflected off a Chicago skate. Oliver Moore quickly tied it, and Tyler Bertuzzi put Chicago ahead after intercepting Carter Hart’s clearing attempt.Ben Hutton made it 2-2 late in the second. Connor Bedard restored the Blackhawks’ lead before Braeden Bowman tied the game late in the third. Carter Hart stopped six shots in overtime and three of four in the shootout, saying,"I settled in a little bit and just got back to playing my game," Hart said, via NHL's official website. "The guys did a really good job of battling around the netfront... It’s a big two points."Now, with Adin Hill sidelined, Carter Hart is expected to split duties with Akira Schmid as Vegas begins a road trip Friday in New Jersey.