BOSTON – Boston Bruins star David Pastrňák welcomed a daughter with his wife, Rebecca Rohlssonová, on Friday, the team confirmed. Despite the joyous occasion, Pastrňák is expected to play in Saturday’s crucial road game against the Washington Capitals, according to Bruins head coach Marco Sturm.
The news was first shared by Sturm when asked about Pastrňák’s absence from the team’s morning skate. “According to coach Sturm, David Pastrňák and his wife Rebecca had a daughter. Congratulations to the Pastrňáks! David is expected to play in tonight’s game,” the Bruins announced on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This is a particularly poignant moment for Pastrňák and Rohlssonová, who tragically lost their son, Viggo, just six days after his birth in June 2021. The couple, together since 2018, now share a daughter, joining their older daughter, Freya Ivy.
The timing of the birth comes at a critical juncture for the Bruins, who are battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston entered Saturday one point ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild-card position and one point behind the Detroit Red Wings. The team is coming off a disappointing 4-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks at TD Garden on Thursday, a game where Sturm felt the team was “a little bit off,” and not as sharp as they needed to be.
“We were just looking for that one goal,” Sturm said, as reported by NESN. “I think it just didn’t happen for maybe too long. It was just a little bit off today. We just weren’t as sharp, and they took advantage. We had the chances early on, and we couldn’t score. That was the hockey game.”
Despite the loss, Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rebound. “A lot of belief in this group,” Lindholm said. “I think we have some really good pieces, some great guys, and, like I said, we’ve been playing some good hockey all year. We just have to keep doing it on the road here.”
Pastrňák himself acknowledged the team’s struggles on the road, but emphasized the demand for focus and attention to detail. “We have good sequences on the road,” Pastrňák said after Friday’s practice. “The Pittsburgh game, for example, we were playing well, and then we just make mistakes and let the teams get back into the game. It’s not like we’re not playing good hockey, it’s just more mistakes. I think dial in, focus more on the details for a full 60, 65 minutes, whatever it takes. We have a big road trip coming up, and we have to get on a winning track on the road.”
The Bruins’ three-game road trip continues Monday with a visit to the New Jersey Devils, followed by a Tuesday night matchup against the Montreal Canadiens. Six valuable points are on the line as Boston attempts to solidify its playoff position. The team will also be looking to improve its power play, which has struggled since the Olympic break, converting just 4 of 28 opportunities. While the power play has faltered, the penalty kill remains a strength for the Bruins.
Sturm also mixed up the lines in practice on Friday, placing Fraser Minten on the top line with Pastrňák and Marat Khusnutdinov, though he indicated the final lineup for Saturday’s game against the Capitals remains to be determined.
The Bruins face the Washington Capitals on Saturday afternoon. The game is scheduled to begin at an as-yet-unspecified time, but will be a key test for Boston as they navigate a tight playoff race. Fans can follow updates and coverage on the Bruins’ official website and social media channels.
What are your thoughts on the Bruins’ playoff chances? Share your predictions in the comments below.
,fit(1200:))