Jeremy Swayman is turning heads this season.
The second-year netminder has established himself as the answer in goal for the Boston Bruins after the B’s spent half of this 2021-2022 season awaiting the return of long-time goaltender Tuukka Rask. In reality, the man they were waiting for was right in front of them the whole time.
Swayman has only played in 25 games this season, and his NHL career features only 35 contests, but he has been nothing short of spectacular in that time. On the season, the Bruins goalie has posted a 14-7-3 record, a 1.95 goals against average (best in the NHL), and a .930 save percentage (3rd).
For as good as this year’s numbers are, his career numbers are even more impressive. In 35 games he has 21 wins, a 1.82 goals against average, and a .934 save percentage.
The 23-year-old has earned five shutouts in his young career, including three this season. He has also won five consecutive outings dating back to February 19. In his 25 contests this year, he has allowed more than two goals on only seven occasions.
Jeremy Swayman has been fantastic for the Bruins.
Swayman is establishing himself not only as a viable option for the Bruins this season but also as a clear starter, rather than a member of a tandem. Linus Ullmark, who is in his first season in Boston, has been good, posting a 17-9-1 record, a 2.80 goals against average, and a .908 save percentage.
However, his numbers are significantly less impressive than Swayman’s, and while I think he’s a useful player, his time with the Bruins may be short-lived, simply because of how good his partner has been.
Sweet Swaaayyyyyy. pic.twitter.com/A7xQ4JMVTE
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 4, 2022
The success that Swayman has had should allow the Bruins’ management to breathe a huge sigh of relief, because as this team battles for a playoff position, his play enables Boston to check his position off of their trade deadline to-do list.
As a result, the folks in Boston can direct their attention to the team’s depth players, where the club is lacking. If there is one thing that could bolster the Bruins’ ability to contend for the Stanley Cup this season, it’s an upgraded group of players to support the stars.
When you think of stars in Beantown, there is no shortage of established veterans that come to mind. With the way Swayman has played this year, it might be time to add him to that list.