BOSTON — Jeremy Swayman acquired an enormous applause as he was the preliminary participant launched previous the Bruins' home opener Thursday night time, taking the ice.
The Boston followers confirmed no resentment in regards to the contract holdout that saved him away from coaching camp till he finalized a $66 million deal on Sunday, simply two days previous to the graduation of the season.
“Returning to play in this arena again is truly amazing. I am grateful beyond measure,” Swayman expressed after thwarting 21 pictures to information the Bruins to a 6-4 triumph towards the Montreal Canadiens.
“The warm welcome was quite emotional,” he remarked. “It underscores the kind of dedicated fan base we have here, recognizing that they care about more than just a player; they care about a human being. Stepping onto the ice and hearing that roar again truly got to me emotionally.”
Halfway by means of the primary interval, Swayman was struck for a few objectives, adopted by one other two within the third interval the place Montreal lowered a three-goal hole to 5-4 on Brendan Gallagher's second objective with 4:17 remaining. Mark Kastelic scored 17 seconds later to make sure the victory.
Swayman gave Montreal's ahead Nick Suzuki a slight nudge to maneuver him out of the crease because the second interval concluded, however the linesman swiftly intervened to separate them.
“My momentum was carrying me in that direction. I required a bit of assistance for balance,” the goaltender jestfully remarked. “I have various ways of engaging in the game — such as communicating with my teammates, interacting with the referees, and bringing my confidence and composure to the arena; that's when I perform at my finest.”
In Boston's exceptional 2022-23 season, Swayman served because the backup to Linus Ullmark; they alternated final 12 months the place Swayman made 43 begins through the common season with a 2.53 goals-against common earlier than securing the first place within the postseason.
As a restricted free agent, Swayman skipped all of coaching camp earlier than agreeing to an eight-year contract price $8.25 million yearly, putting him among the many prime 5 goalies within the NHL by way of common annual worth.
He solely had a single follow session with the workforce previous to the opener, with Joonas Korpisalo serving because the backup and conceding six objectives in Tuesday's season debut leading to a 6-4 defeat towards the reigning Stanley Cup champions Florida. As the Panthers, who've eradicated Boston from the playoffs within the earlier two seasons, established a 5-1 lead, their followers chanted “We want Swayman!”
“They have their strategies to influence the game, and they executed them effectively,” Swayman acknowledged. “I aim to compete in every game, desiring to be in the net every possible opportunity. I am thrilled for this chance.”
Bruins coach Jim Montgomery expressed approval of Swayman's efficiency, attributing a number of the objectives to defensive breakdowns.
“Jeremy Swayman performed admirably,” he commented. “He made the saves that were within his reach.”
