The first game of the season is usually a big deal to players, fans, and the organization. Missing the first game is usually not something that is allowed. However, with Darcy Kuemper life outside of hockey was more important than the game today.
Due to the Kuemper family welcoming their new baby boy to the world, another player got an opportunity to suit up. Charlie Lindgren got the start while the backup ended up being Clay Stevenson.
Stevenson last season played 3 games in the AHL and 36 games in the ECHL. Now he is getting to live out his NHL dream even if it is in a backup capacity. The Capitals take on the Penguins in their opener.
If the score permits it would be awesome to be able to see Stevenson get an opportunity to get into the net.
As Read On - Puck Reporter - Darcy Kuemper Misses First Game Of Season For Wholesome Reason
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 13 | 56 ANSWERS Darcy Kuemper Forced to Miss Game for an Incredible Reason Would you skip an NHL game as a player or coach for the birth of your child? | ||
| Yes | 44 | 78.6 % |
| No | 12 | 21.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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YESTERDAY
JUNE 6, 2026
| ||||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Mitch Marner | 3 | 1 | 4 | |
| Tomas Hertl | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jordan Staal | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Shea Theodore | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Sebastian Aho | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Brayden McNabb | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Taylor Hall | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jordan Martinook | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Andrei Svechnikov | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jackson Blake | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Jack Eichel | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Brett Howden | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Seth Jarvis | - | 1 | 1 | |
| William Karlsson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Eric Robinson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Jaccob Slavin | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Logan Stankoven | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Frederik Andersen | - | - | - | |
| Rasmus Andersson | - | - | - | |
| Ivan Barbashev | - | - | - | |
| COMPLETE STATS | ||||