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Over the last month, T.J. Oshie has become a star. His shootout performance for Team USA in the thrilling victory over Russia in front of a large American television audience turned him into an overnight sensation. Meanwhile, he is earning his newfound status in the NHL, to, with a career year in St. Louis.
The public has a growing interest in Oshie, which is why there’s quite a bit of interest in his life off the ice as well. Oshie and fiancée Lauren Cosgrove welcomed a baby girl into the world on March 17.
As pictures spread on social media of the glowing parents, the public didn’t realize that the little girl, Lyla, has had a bit of a tumultuous start and has remained in the hospital.
Oshie and Cosgrove were featured on NBC’s “Today Show” Friday morning to talk about Lyla’s trying first few weeks. The couple’s daughter was born with gastroschisis, a condition in which a child is born with the intestines on the outside of the body. Lyla required immediate surgery and it was a few days before her parents could hold her, but the little one is improving.
Her doctor compared her to a St. Louis Blues player even. The baby is now eating normally and expected to be able to leave the hospital soon, Oshie told "Today."
“She’s adorable,” Oshie said in his "Today Show" interview, also noting his daughter's arrival trumps any success he's had on the ice. “You catch yourself just holding her for two hours and looking at her the whole time."
Oshie missed one game for the Blues following Lyla's birth. He has had a lot on his plate, but remains an effective force for the Blues as the team marches toward the postseason and a shot at the President’s Trophy.
Oshie has had six points in eight games since the birth of his daughter, all of which came in a two-game span last week. Considering the high level of stress that must come with having a child in the hospital, his performance has been rather remarkable.
There has been a lot of debate lately about the responsibility of a father who is also a pro athlete when it comes to the birth of his child. Though Oshie has continued playing, he took the time to be there for his daughter and his fiancée during that most crucial time. That’s the way it should be.
Judging by his glowing remarks about his daughter on social media and in his recent TV interview, Oshie won't be taking his new job as a dad lightly.
Soon, the new family should be able to enjoy each other in the comfort of their own home and Oshie probably hopes most of that quality time comes after a long playoff run.
You can watch Oshie and Cosgrove’s full interview here.
