When Justin Williams sat down for a postgame interview after being named the first star in a 4-1 win over Winnipeg on Jan. 21, a giddy crowd inside PNC Arena chanted his name.

"Just-in Will-iams! Just-in Will-iams!"

In his second game back in the Carolina Hurricanes' lineup, the veteran forward netted two goals to propel the Canes into an extended All-Star break.

Williams tried to answer the first question of the interview but was cut off mid-word by the crowd's billowing chants. He laughed and paused, letting the emotion of the moment breathe.

He was eventually able to sneak a few words out to the exuberant delight of the fans.

"This is pretty special," Williams said. "This is a special place to play hockey."