Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty thanked the people closest to him for returning to the NHL after scoring the series-winning goal in Game 6.

After going scoreless through his first three games back in the lineup, the veteran winger came up clutch when his team needed him, with two points on the night that included the series-winner late in the third period. Pacioretty’s goal was his first since December 20th, but it could not have come at a better time for the Leafs.

Pacioretty admitted to reporters after the game that he was unsure if his career could continue during the years he had many setbacks due to injuries, but never wavered in his belief that he still had more to give.

“Yeah, I’ve had a lot of conversations with people in my family and others, and I thought I was done playing a number of time,” Pacioretty said. “And everyone always supported me to keep going. But my story is just one of many and it’s one that’s public, so it’s one that’s talked about, but a lot of resilient guys in this organization have been through a lot as well. So guys like that motivate me to keep going.”

Pacioretty experienced two consecutive Achilles tears and spent multiple summers in rehab trying to get his ailments in order. The 36-year-old was able to play in 47 games last season with the Washington Capitals, but was still trying to find his game during that time. So when he was finally cleared to play again and things got off to a slow start, fans were quick to want him out of the lineup. But head coach Craig Berube stuck to his guns, and he was ultimately rewarded for it.

“It means a lot. You know, you keep playing because you want to pitch in,” Pacioretty said. “When you’re sitting out and the team is winning, you’re happy for them. But you want to be a part of it. I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”

Pacioretty very nearly could have been viewed as the goat as he hit the post on a wide-open net in the first period that would have given the Leafs an early lead. While it is easy to let something like that weigh you down, he did not let it deter him and instead continued to grind away in hopes that he would get another shot at it.

“Relieved after Willie made that great play in the first, and I hit the post off a wide open,” he said. “ Just kind of talking to myself throughout the game, thinking it would come. Fortunate that Dome’s made a great play and there’s a great screen as well.”

It is unclear if Pacioretty will remain in the lineup every single game throughout the rest of the playoffs, as Nick Robertson is waiting in the wings vying for another chance. After all, the Leafs have plenty of forward depth at their disposal which increases the competitiveness level from everyone on the roster.

Regardless of how much time he gets against the Florida Panthers in the second round, Berube and the coaching staff know they can lean on Pacioretty when it matters.

“Yeah, it’s incredible. Battling through his entire career,” forward William Nylander said of his linemate. “ Playing against him when he was in Montreal and now seeing him here, he’s done an unbelievable job, and it’s been a lot of fun playing with him. The way he’s come back from injury, made his way into the lineup and becoming a key player, that’s incredible.”