Jeremy Swayman is seizing his opportunity as the Boston Bruins’ full-time goaltender.
Starting his third consecutive game since Linus Ullmark’s injury, Swayman made 31 saves for his third shutout of the season, leading the Bruins to a 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Monday.
Swayman’s Stellar Performance
“It’s nice to see him have this opportunity,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said. “If Linus weren’t injured, we wouldn’t have seen it. But Jeremy wants the net every night. The swagger he brings feels like he never gets tired.”
Named to the NHL All-Star roster on Saturday, Swayman had been sharing duties with Ullmark, each starting 20 of the team’s first 40 games. However, Ullmark, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, was injured in an overtime loss to Arizona on Tuesday, making Swayman the main netminder.
“Whenever I’m in the net, I’m going to compete and give the team a chance to win every night,” Swayman said. “Linus is going to be back soon. He’s a Swedish Viking; we all know he’s a stud. I can’t wait to have him back.”
Bruins’ Offensive Highlights
David Pastrnak and Charlie Coyle scored for Boston, and Trent Frederic added a diving empty-netter. The Bruins secured their first regulation win in five games. Their previous four games—all on the road and within six nights—went to overtime, with Boston losing the first three before breaking the streak against St. Louis on Saturday.
Coyle scored 30 seconds into the second period with a backhander, and Pastrnak extended the lead on a power play early in the third. Brad Marchand contributed two assists, and Pastrnak also assisted Coyle’s goal, bringing his season total to 61 points, the third-most in the NHL.
Frederic’s empty-net goal came with 78 seconds left, ensuring the victory.
Swayman is now 2-0 since being announced as an All-Star selection. This recognition came six months after the Bruins filed for arbitration despite a successful season where he and Ullmark split time in a record-setting 65-win season.
Nico Daws made 33 saves for New Jersey. Boston initially appeared to lead on a first-period power play when Marchand fed James van Riemsdyk, but a replay showed Pastrnak was offsides, nullifying the goal.
Key Moments
The Bruins broke the scoreless tie early in the second period when Coyle scored off a faceoff, assisted by Marchand. Pastrnak doubled the lead three minutes into the third period with a one-timer from a cross-ice pass by Charlie McAvoy.
Looking Ahead
- Devils: Visit Boston on Monday afternoon.
- Bruins: Host the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.
