Following an impressive February, Jeremy Swayman was rewarded for his efforts on Tuesday afternoon. The Boston Bruins netminder was named the NHL Rookie of the Month after going 5-1-1 and posting 1.13 goals against average in the month. As the Bruins have climbed in the standings, their former fourth-round pick has been key to their success.
Through 24 games this season, Swayman has posted a 13-7-3 record and recorded three shutouts. In his second NHL season, the 23-year-old has continued to improve. While the regular season is far from over, his 1.95 Goals Against Average is the best in the NHL. Although the University of Maine product is still a rookie, he has played like a veteran.
Additionally, Swayman has faced 652 shots and only allowed 46 goals this season. His .929 save percentage is the fourth-best in the league, which is no easy feat. As the Bruins have needed a boost, Swayman has answered the call and is coming off the best month of his career. His recent play has also not gone unnoticed by Bruce Cassidy.
“I think you are starting to see the confidence in his game that, hey, I’m going to lead this team, I’m going to accept the challenge of getting the majority of the starts if that’s the case…he’s always been a guy to live up to the challenge,” said Cassidy. ” Wherever he goes he wants to be the guy.”
This Sway for all the highlights ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/vd6MRRdGlK
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 1, 2022
What the Future Holds for Swayman
While Swayman has been hard to keep out of the net, he has joined special company. Before Tuesday, no Bruins player had earned Rookie of the Month honors since Andrew Raycroft in February 2004. In six of his seven games last month, Swayman allowed two goals or fewer, including a shootout against the Kings on Monday. With points at a premium, the former Mike Richter Award winner makes a strong case to be the Bruins’ No.1 goalie in the playoffs.
Regardless of how the season ends, the Bruins’ future in net is bright. After being assigned to Providence in January upon the return of Tuukka Rask, Swayman has returned better than ever. The Anchorage native used his time in Providence to improve, and the Bruins have reaped the benefits. In six of Swayman’s last seven starts, the Bruins have earned at least a point.
As the Bruins look to make a deep playoff run, the play of Swayman will be key. While Linus Ullmark has been solid this season, Swayman has shown that he can carry this team. That is welcoming news for Boston as their young netminder is just getting started.
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