Brandon Montour has some of that new dad luck.
The Panthers defenseman broke a 10-game scoring drought on Thursday night, getting Florida on the board early in a thrilling 3-2 overtime win in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights — days after the birth of his son, Kai.
Coach Paul Maurice, in a second-period interview on the bench with TNT’s Jackie Redmond, appreciated the effort — and maybe could’ve used a little extra, too.
“You ready to give baby Kai the unofficial assist on Brandon Montour’s goal?” Redmond asked.
“He should’ve had twins,” Maurice responded, poking fun at his team’s need for more offensive production.
Kai Montour’s magic worked its way down the Florida bench, helping the Panthers find a way to get it done thanks to a clutch goal from Matthew Tkachuk with 2:13 left in regulation, and a snipe from Carter Verhaeghe in overtime –– securing the team’s first Stanley Cup Final win in franchise history.
It capped off quite the week for the Montour patriarch.
Kai was expected to arrive on June 14 but clearly had other plans.
Ryian, Montour’s wife, went into labor during Game 1 of the series while the defenseman was playing in Vegas against the Golden Knights.
Following the 5-2 loss, Montour jetted to Florida, made it just in time for the birth, and flew back to Vegas a few hours after Kai’s arrival to prepare for Game 2.
Fast forward to Game 3 and the Panthers, facing a possible 3-0 hole, got a spark from Montour’s tally just over four minutes into the opening frame.
It was clear that Montour’s goal meant more than just getting his team on the board in an important game.
“I feel like the last little bit I haven’t obviously put it in the net, but I’m creating chances, making plays,” Montour said after the 3-2 victory. “It’s nice to get that one and see that one go in. That’s for my baby boy.”
Florida has a chance to even the series with Vegas on Saturday in Sunrise — we’ll see if baby Kai has any more assists to give.
