New Dads Zacha & Mittelstadt Ready for Playoffs

0:00It's April 17th. Welcome to NHL News today, AI Power Coverage of Your Squad. I'm Cory with the story. Pawel Zaka and Casey Middleston, two key forwards for the Boston Bruins, just became new dads right before the playoffs kickoff. Zaka left their final regular season game against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday to welcome his daughter Penelope. The next day, Middleston met his son Maclin after a scheduled induction, both are healthy and the guys are thrilled. That second line with Victor Arvetson has been a surprise powerhouse all season. Zaka hit a career high 65 points, including 30 goals. Middleston tallyed 42 points after switching to wing. Arvetson bounced back with 54 points. Their chemistry stayed rock solid, while other lines shuffled. Players and the front office are buzzing about it. Zaka called leaving the game weird, but refocused fast on family. Several manager Don Swini praised Zaka shooting in two-way play, especially after he skipped

1:01the Olympics to heal up. Postbreak, Zaka exploded for 28 points in 23 games. Middleston said it's been a fun, busy stretch. Now the Bruins, Atlantic Division's first wildcard, head to Buffalo for Round 1 against the Sabers. Middleston drafted eighth by them in 2017, spent his first seven seasons there. He knows the wild atmosphere, but plans to play the villain role. Other lines reliability gives Boston a real edge. As they gear up on the ice, Zaka and Middleston are also prepping to bring the kids home before hitting the road. They even bumped into each other at the hospital. Zaka lives three doors down now. With new dad energy, this line looks ready to deliver big in the playoffs.