“It’s special” – Antti Raanta’s daughter adorably crashes postgame press conference after Hurricanes beat Bruins in Game 7


“It’s special” – Antti Raanta’s daughter adorably crashes postgame press conference after Hurricanes beat Bruins in Game 7

Antti Raanta with daughter Evelyn

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Antti Raanta witnessed the cutest press conference crasher on Saturday. The goaltender had his five-year-old daughter Evelyn run up to her dad to hug Raanta after his Game 7 win against the Boston Bruins in the best-of-seven Playoffs series Eastern Conference First Round.

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Raanta was all smiles when he saw Evelyn, who jumped into his arms sporting a custom jacket with his name and No. 32 on the back. Earlier, the 33-year-old Finnish ice hockey player produced his top game and made as many as 29 saves for his side at PNC Arena.

It’s special. Most important win of my life for sure,” Raanta told the Hurricanes in a Twitter video after the game, as quoted by NHL.com. “In front of [the fans], amazing… amazing.”

“Proud of Raanta…he’s been through a lot this year”

Antti Raanta
Antti Raanta

For those who don’t know, Raanta took over the No. 1 role after Frederik Andersen sustained a lower-body injury against the Colorado Avalanche on April 16. The Rauma native was 3-2 with a 2.37 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in six starts in the series.

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When one of the best goalies in the league goes down to injury it’s going to sting a little bit, but the team in front of me has been doing a great job and I just try to do my job,” Raanta said. “It was a chance for me to show what I can do in the big stages. Starting from Game 1 I thought my game was pretty good. And obviously today a lot of battling and grinding it out.”

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Hurricanes’ coach Rod Brind’Amour was also proud of Raanta and stated how happy he was for the veteran National Hockey League (NHL) player.

I’m proud of him,” Brind’Amour said. “He’s been through a lot this year, not just physically but overall. To step in at the biggest moments and be ‘the guy,’ I’m proud of him.

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“Everybody has got a life outside of hockey and he’s had a tough, tough go this last year. So that makes a little bit more of his story. You pull for guys like that.”

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