Tragedy strikes Capitals’ Matt Roy before game in Washington

Fans are focused on the game in Washington tonight as the Capitals host the Chicago Blackhawks and Alex Ovechkin is now three away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894.

However, his teammate Matt Roy might be distracted and no one could blame him. On Friday, hours before the puck drop against the Blackhawks, Roy’ wife Linsey revealed on Instagram that she had suffered a miscarriage.

“Earlier this week we said goodbye to our baby girl,” Linsey wrote on Instagram. “A very surprising, unexpected and incredibly wanted natural pregnancy..met with an equally shocking and devastating loss.”

She added : “I choose to share our family growing journey in hopes it helps even one person feel less alone. Less isolated. Less pain. Loss after living children still sucks. It hurts not being able to give Nico this sibling we were hoping for.

“We are so sooo grateful to have Nico, and while he fills our hearts with so much joy, this pain also stings, leaves a hole in our hearts, and gives us another angel up above.”

Linsey received loving and encouraging words from fellow Capitals wives on her post.

Back in January 2024, Roy and his wife welcomed a first child, son Nico, and revealed that they had experienced three miscarriages before that pregnancy.

“With each loss, we lost not just our baby, but all the visions, hopes and dreams that came with each one,” Linsey wrote in October 2023 . “It’s easy to say my mind, body and soul are forever changed because of what we’ve been through. Life looks different, priorities look different, self-care looks different, and my support system has grown tenfold.”

For the last two game, Roy had been missing from the Capitals’ lineup against the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes, as he preferred to stay home with his wife during this difficult time. He is expected to return to play Friday night against the Blackhawks. He has put up one goal, two assists and nine shots while dishing out six hits and recording six blocks in the last five games. 

It takes courage to share this kind of news, and I am so sorry for the Roy family. Some things are bigger than hockey.