Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman is set to make his Olympic debut as he takes the ice for Team USA against Denmark in a pivotal preliminary round matchup scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET. This marks a significant milestone for Swayman, who has demonstrated impressive skills throughout the NHL season.
Team USA has opted for just one change in its lineup for this match; Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck will serve as Swayman’s backup. Hellebuyck previously secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Latvia in the tournament’s opening game.
Swayman, currently in his second NHL season, boasts a commendable record of 22 wins, 12 losses, and 3 overtime losses, alongside a 2.92 goals against average and a .903 save percentage across 38 games with the Bruins this season. After a challenging season where he did not see action in the NHL 4 National Face-Off, his subsequent participation in the World Championships helped him regain his form and ultimately contribute to Team USA’s gold medal victory.
This upcoming game against Denmark is part of a back-to-back series for the Americans, with their final preliminary round contest against Germany scheduled for Sunday. Coach Mike Sullivan remains tight-lipped regarding the starting goaltender for the second match, keeping options open as Dallas Stars’ Jake Oettinger also awaits his chance to play.
As the tournament progresses, Swayman’s performance could play a crucial role not just for Team USA but also for his burgeoning career in international hockey. The opportunity to shine on such a prestigious stage could solidify his place going forward in Team USA’s hockey hierarchy, generating excitement among fans and the hockey community alike.