Kuemper was visibly emotional after helping the Capitals defeat the Flames in his first game back since welcoming his first son.
Kuemper was visibly emotional after helping the Capitals defeat the Flames in his first game back since welcoming his first son.
WASHINGTON — After stopping Nazdem Kadri to win the shootout for the Washington Capitals, Darcy Kuemper broke into celebration, where he swung his arms back and forth as if he were cradling his baby. And that's who he dedicated that win to.
Kuemper was visibly emotional after winning his first NHL game since becoming a father. He had missed the season opener on Friday after he and his wife welcomed their firstborn son overnight. And in his first game back, he showed off that "new dad strength" — though he doesn't know if there's really truth to that — as he stopped 38 of 40 shots en route to the victory.
"You're making me tear up here," he said, his eyes welling up. "His first game. He won't remember it, but nice to win the first one for him."
It was an emotional night for several Capitals, one where a 2-0 deficit and three shots after the first period turned into a milestone night for not just Kuemper, but Matthew Phillips as he scored his first NHL goal and added an assist minutes later to help rally his team and put them on the path to victory. Spencer Carbery also got his first win as an NHL head coach.
Here's what the room had to say following the win, including more from Kuemper's emotional interview, a chat with Phillips about getting revenge against his former organization and more from Connor McMichael, who had his first goal since March 26, 2022 and talked about confidence and getting trust from head coach Spencer Carbery.
Like what you saw? Want to break down the game? Head to our forum to share your take.