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Holtby after becoming a father yesterday: “I’m focusing on hockey”

Braden Holtby

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 19: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals makes a save against the Boston Bruins in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center on April 19, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Braden Holtby isn’t worried that becoming a father Thursday will distract him from his duties Saturday at Madison Square Garden when the Capitals and Rangers play Game 7 of their second-round series.

“[Yesterday] was a great day. Mom and baby are doing great, but now I’m focusing on hockey,” said Washington’s rookie goalie. “Circumstances are different, but it’s still the same game. It’s still hockey. The main thing you learn when you turn professional is to separate personal life from hockey, and that’s what we’re gonna do here.”

This sort of stuff is bound to get blown out of proportion. Will he be distracted? Will he be inspired? It can’t be “neither,” because that doesn’t make for a good story.

Who knows though? Maybe he’ll be extra motivated and stand on his head. Or, maybe all the stress will prove to be too much and he’ll fall apart, in which case he can hold it over his kid’s head forever.