LAS VEGAS -- In his first start in nearly two years, it was a game full of FIRSTS for Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart, as he returned to the net Tuesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hart, one of five 2018 Canada world junior hockey players acquitted of sexual assault in July, made 27 saves in the 4-3 shootout win over the Blackhawks.

Here are some notable FIRSTS for the 27-year-old after his Golden Knights debut:

FIRST Warmups - Hart led the Golden Knights onto the ice for warmups, and for the fans who made their way to the glass, he was greeted by cheers from Vegas' adoring fans. Several female fans were seen holding signs supportive of Hart. A few others emitted disdain.

FIRST Entrance and Introduction - With fans settled into the seats, and the massive golden helmet the Knights skate through resting on the ice, Hart once again led the Knights onto the ice, this time for real, with the lights out, the John Wick theme blaring and the crowd buzzing. As the starting lineup was announced, the anticipation grew for the final name, and as public address announcer Bruce Cusick announced Hart, the fans offered a vibrant roar - not the most electric - but certainly 99% in favor of the newest Knight.

FIRST Lead - Hart got his first lead to work when forward Ivan Barbashev scored 27 seconds into the game, a shot that looked as if he was passing into the slot, but instead deflected off Chicago defenseman Wyatt Kaiser's skate.

FIRST Goal Allowed - Hart's lead wouldn't last, as Oliver Moore tied the game for the Blackhawks 56 seconds later when he gathered a pass from across the ice and fired a dart of a wrist shot from the top of the right circle to tie the game, 1-1.

FIRST Breakaway Save - Hart came up big in the first period when he faced his first breakaway and stymied Chicago's veteran center Ryan Donato.

FIRST Penalty Kill - It only took six minutes, but the Golden Knights found themselves on the penalty kill with a little more than 14 minutes left in the first period. Though Hart didn't face any shots during the kill, it was successful for his first time defending the net while his team skated shorthanded.

FIRST Period - Hart made seven saves on the eight shots in the opening period. Hart said afterward that he settled in after allowing Moore's wicked shot into the net. After all, he hadn't been in an NHL game since Jan. 20, 2024.

FIRST Penalty - With 13:17 left in the second period, and the Golden Knights on a power play, Hart tripped Ilya Mikheyev, who was breaking in looking for a short-hander. Anyone with Hart catching a 2-minute minor in his debut on a prop bet was a big winner.

FIRST Big Mistake - As athletic as Hart might be, and while he may think his quick reflexes allow him to do things other goalies cannot, it wasn't wise in the least bit to leave his net with hopes of poking the puck away with Tyler Bertuzzi storming in. Hart swiped at the puck and nailed Bertuzzi, who then floated it over Hart and into the net.

FIRST Overtime - Hart was at his best during these five minutes, as he stopped all six shots he faced, including a shift in which teammate Shea Theodore's broke the blade of his stick, which theoretically gave the Blackhawks a 3-on-2 until the Golden Knights were able to get fresh life on the ice.

FIRST Shootout - Chicago started, and Hart's save on Teuvo Teravainen was rewarded at the other end with a Pavel Dorofeyev goal. Next up for Chicago was Connor Bedard, and there aren't many past or present goalie greats who were stopping the shot Hart faced. At the other end, Jack Eichel was stuffed by Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight, keeping it 1-1 in the shootout. For a third time in the game, Hart made a huge save on Donato, but Knight stopped Marner. Hart then stopped Frank Nazar and seconds later, it was Theodore giving Hart his ...

FIRST Win - After 682 days, Hart is victorious and mobbed by his teammates as he celebrates a victory in his first game back and first as a Knight.

PHOTO CAPTION: Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) shoots wide of Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) during a shootout at T-Mobile Arena.