Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome experienced a night filled with intense emotions following his team’s thrilling 8-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday evening. While the game itself was noteworthy—highlighted by Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin’s impressive hat trick—it was a personal milestone that truly moved Strome. During the first period of the game, Strome’s wife, Tayler Strome, gave birth to their third daughter, an event that unfolded much more quickly than Dylan had anticipated.
Speaking to reporters after the game, a visibly emotional Strome shared the joyous news. “I got some news for everyone," he revealed. "While the first period was going on, my warrior of a wife had our third daughter while we were on the ice.” He went on to explain that their daughter, Sutton Kimberley Strome, was born at 7:30 p.m., and her arrival took them by surprise due to the speed of the labor. “It was really quick. She felt it two hours before, and it just happened. There was nothing I could do to get there,” Strome said, expressing both pride and a hint of regret that he wasn’t physically present for the birth. “Super proud of her. Definitely playing with a lot of emotions—I found out after the first period tonight.”
The timing of the birth was unexpected. Dylan had hoped to return to Washington, D.C., in time to be with Tayler during the delivery, but Sutton had other plans, arriving sooner than anyone anticipated. Strome was effusive in his praise for his wife, acknowledging the challenges she has faced throughout the NHL season. Tayler has been managing the household and caring for their two other children while Dylan has been on the road with the Capitals. “Really proud of her, because it’s tough,” he said. “You obviously want to be there for the birth of your children and, um, didn’t know it was coming this soon. Can’t wait to go see her.”
He also reflected on the physical and emotional demands placed on women, especially partners of professional athletes who spend much of their time traveling. “It’s not easy. We go on the road a lot, and women go through a lot, and their bodies change so much—for her to do that by herself, it’s unbelievable,” Strome noted with heartfelt admiration.
Despite the emotional news, Strome remained focused on the game and contributed significantly to the Capitals’ win. Early in the match, he won a crucial faceoff that set up Ovechkin’s opening goal, setting the tone for the Capitals’ offensive surge. Later in the game, Strome assisted on a 2-on-1 play that allowed Ovechkin to score again, extending Washington’s lead to 6-4. Ovechkin himself praised Strome’s performance, saying, “Since, like, first shift, I think Stromer was feeling it. I think he was unstoppable today.”
The Capitals were able to secure an 8-4 victory on the road at the Bell Centre in Montreal, a result that kept their season momentum strong. However, for Strome, the night will likely be remembered more for the arrival of his daughter than the scoreboard. The birth of Sutton Kimberley Strome marks a new chapter for the family and adds to the joy and challenges of life on the road as a professional athlete.
This heartwarming story highlights the often unseen personal lives of professional athletes and the sacrifices made by their families. While fans and media focus on goals, assists, and wins, moments like these remind us of the human side of sports—the families who support players through the highs and lows, and the milestones that transcend the game itself.
As the Capitals continue their season, Strome and his wife will undoubtedly navigate the demands of parenthood alongside his professional commitments. The arrival of their third daughter is sure to bring new motivation and inspiration to Strome as he balances his responsibilities on and off the ice.
For now, Dylan Strome looks forward to reuniting with his wife and new daughter, celebrating this special moment with his family. In the meantime, his teammates and fans alike can appreciate the passion he brought to the ice, even amidst such a life-changing personal event.
This story was reported with contributions from the Associated Press. For more sports news and updates, follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on social media and subscribe to their newsletter for the latest headlines delivered directly to your