Dad strength: Canucks’ Di Giuseppe scores in first game since child’s birth

The dad strength is real.

Vancouver Canucks forward Phillip Di Giuseppe and his wife Maggie welcomed their second child to the world on Sunday.

On Thursday, in Game 5 of the second-round playoff series between the Canucks and Edmonton Oilers, Di Giuseppe made his return to the lineup and quickly made a big impact, scoring a game-tying goal in the second period.

The 30-year-old fourth liner missed Games 3 and 4 of the series due to the birth of his newborn son, Sam.

“It was a tough pregnancy,” Di Giuseppe shared ahead of Thursday’s game. “Our little kid’s a warrior and I can’t be more proud of him and (my wife). Both are healthy. They’re coming home today.”

Di Giuseppe’s goal, his first ever in the playoffs, knotted the game up 2-2.