John Tavares warms hearts everywhere with major life update

Not only did Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares score the overtime winning goal in Game 6 of their Round 1 Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the rival Tampa Bay Lightning to punch the franchise's ticket to Round 2 for the first time in 19 years, but he also became a father for the third time earlier in the evening. 

Tavares and his wife Aryne welcomed a baby girl into the world, though they haven't revealed her name just yet. 

“It’s been busy, so it’s been great, obviously the highlight of my daughter being born is very special,” Tavares told reporters after the morning skate Tuesday ahead of tonight's Game 1 opener against the Florida Panthers. 

“Things have been great on the home front and I’m really thankful for that. It’s been great for my family and competing in the playoffs, so along with that, a lot of emotions, a lot going on.”

Naturally, being a professional athlete can take a toll on young families, but Tavares credits his family with giving him lots of support - especially during the crucial Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

“A lot of support from my family and everyone that’s involved in my daily life, have kept things running and functioning, but a big credit to my wife,” Tavares said. “Doing what I need to do to play, and when I go home, just really enjoying the time with my little one. So it’s been a great week, and we want to keep things going here and turn the page from last year.”

Tavares and the Maple Leafs are back in action tonight, bringing in the Panthers for their first ever postseason matchup. Tonight's Game 1 will begin shortly, just after 7:00 PM EST from a rocking Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto.