By Pat Welter, WRAL

Carolina Hurricanes
Washington Capitals
ESPN | Tuesday, May 6th 7:00 PM EDT

Morrisville, N.C. — For Sebastian Aho, even playoff hockey is now the easy part.

The Carolina Hurricanes center took a personal day over the weekend.

Now we know why.

“First baby, it was unreal,” Aho said Monday. “So happy that I got to be there and timing wise worked out. Mom and baby are both happy and healthy, she did an amazing job, I’m really proud of her.”

Aho and his wife Rosa welcomed their first daughter Friday.

The Hurricanes practiced for a final timeat Invisalign Arena on Monday before Game One of their second-round series against the Washington Capitals. The team shared a photo of her feet, which might see some skates some day, but, for now, she’s in good hands as dad heads on the road.

“Both of our moms are in town and able to help the baby and my wife,” Aho said. “For me, it’s back to business obviously tomorrow is a big game.”

Another #Canes playoff baby 💕

Congratulations to Sebastian Aho and his wife, Rosa, on the birth of their daughter on Friday!

Mom, dad and baby are all doing great. pic.twitter.com/JwvDMfsCOp

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 5, 2025

Aho one of many fathers on the Canes. As the team has grown up during this seven-year playoff streak, so have their families.

“Happy for him, happy to see all the guys, there’s a lot of that happening in this room,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “We are a big family in there and it does remind you that life moves quickly.”

Said team capitan Jordan Staal: “We try to be as much family in this room as we can, but outside this room there’s extended family. That’s when you really get to know each other’s kids and have some fun together, get away from the rink and enjoy each other’s company.”

Hold your first baby, then raise your first Stanley Cup?

Aho scored the series-clinching goal in double overtime of Game 5 against the New Jersey Devils in the first round.

Aho said meeting his daughter was the best feeling in the world, but come Tuesday the Capitals will have his full attention.

“We are definitely ready, we are definitely rested, we are sharp, we’ve been practicing well,” Aho said. “It’s going to be a good fight, but we are ready for it.”

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals

Game 1: at Washington, Tuesday, May 6, 7 p.m. (ESPN, 99.9 The Fan)

Game 2: at Washington, Thursday, May 8, 7 p.m. (ESPN, 99.9 The Fan)

Game 3: at Carolina, Saturday, May 10, 6 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)

Game 4: at Carolina, Monday, May 12, 7 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)

Game 5: at Washington (if necessary), Thursday, May 15, TBD (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)

Game 6: at Carolina (if necessary), Saturday, May 17, TBD (99.9 The Fan)

Game 7: at Washington (if necessary), Monday, May 19, TBD (ESPN, 99.9 The Fan)

Postgame analysis: After each playoff game, WRAL’s Chris Lea and Pat Welter will break down the biggest moments with insider analysis from former Hurricanes player Shane Willis. Tune into WRAL at 11:25 p.m. for postgame coverage.

Source: wralsportsfan.com