MONTREAL - When Antti Niemi reflects on last Friday night's win in Washington, the word "emotional" comes up again and again.

It was a big moment for the 34-year-old Finn, who earned his first victory since April 4, 2017, when he was still a member of the Dallas Stars.

In late June, the Stars waived Niemi ahead of buying out the final year of his contract. Following short-lived stints with Pittsburgh and Florida to start the 2017-18 campaign, the Canadiens plucked the veteran netminder off waivers in mid-November.

In other words, the win over the Capitals was a long time coming - and Niemi's cell phone was extra busy because of it.

"I got messages from my parents, my wife, and my buddies in the morning," said Niemi, who turned aside 24 shots in the 3-2 triumph at Capital One Arena. "It was cool even getting some texts from people I hadn't really spoken to in a while, people from years ago who are still following my career."

Speaking with his better half Jonna after besting the Metropolitan division leaders was particularly special.

"She watches most of the games, especially when I'm playing. When she reached out, it was emotional. She's been very, very important to my career," explained Niemi, who made his NHL debut during the 2008-09 campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks and became the first Finnish-born goalie to win the Stanley Cup the following season. "I think it's been kind of a tough spot for both of us this year, but she's been helpful in showing her support and just being there for me."

Jonna, who currently resides at the couple's home in Dallas, is no stranger to the inevitable ups and downs that come with playing pro hockey for a living. She grew up around the game. Her father Timo Nummelin is a member of the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame, and her brother Petteri Nummelin played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Minnesota Wild, and is still going strong in the Asian League at age 45.

"She understands everything that's going on," mentioned Niemi. "She also knows what players need. It's kind of built in for her."

No doubt Jonna was with her husband in spirit when he stepped between the pipes in the District of Columbia, helping cheer him on to one of his more meaningful wins in recent memory.

"It was emotional that night because it's been so long and such a hard road to get one win. It's amazing to think how many hours I've worked since my last win, how many months I've worked," said Niemi. "It was pretty amazing. Even if it's just one win, it means a lot."

Video: MTL@WSH: Niemi shuts down Wilson off the rush

The Vantaa native is hopeful that his first win in a Canadiens uniform is a sign of good things to come.

Right now, though, he's just loving life in his brand new hockey home - especially the short commute to the office on game nights.

"It's such a nice walkable downtown. I'm living right by the Bell Centre, so it's cool," said Niemi. "It's great to be able to walk to the games."