That’s right, Mike Richards is back!!!

…on the scoring sheet that is.

After being held pointless in his Manchester Monarchs debut, Richards responded by scoring the opening goal and adding two assists in the 4-1 win over the Albany Devils last night.

It was a sign of life that LA Kings fans were hoping for, especially after a seemingly lethargic first game in the AHL.

Spoke to a GM who said Mike Richards was one of worst players on the ice in AHL return debut. Tonight, Richards had 1-2-3 for Manchester. — Ken Campbell (@THNKenCampbell) February 5, 2015

*tugs collar*

One just hopes that this is a sign of things to come for Richards and that he can transform into that .280 hitter that Dean Lombardi believes he can become.

Because, man, going from playing in front of 18,230 fans with the defending Stanley Cup champions to an announced 3,006 people at the Verizon Wireless Arena is a sad drop-off for a guy who is still capable of being a really good NHL player.

Mike Richards first ever AHL regular season goal alert!

Soak it in, bud. Soak it all in.

I miss shorthanded Mike Richards.

OK, fine. You don’t have to soak it in. Whatever.

I never want to see such sad reactions to Richards scoring a goal or getting a shorthanded assist ever again.

Check out all the highlights from the game below!