“He lost partner Linus Ullmark”: Bruins analyst makes his feeling extremely clear about Jeremy Swayman’s slow start despite bagging $66 million deal

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Oct 22, 2024 09:47 GMT

Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman's performance has not met expectations since signing an eight-year, $66 million contract.

NHL insider Fluto Shinzawa from The Athletic shared his thoughts on Swayman's struggles. He suggested that Linus Ullmark's departure has played a role in Swayman's slow start.

"Jeremy Swayman has work to do: It was always going to be this way, even before Swayman spent all of training camp unsigned," Shinzawa said. "He lost partner Linus Ullmark. Swayman would have to adjust, physically and mentally, to the workload of being the clear-cut No. 1 goalie.

"Once he signed, Swayman had to manage the pressure of his eight-year, $66 million contract. Given all that, it’s natural that Swayman has not looked like himself. He is behind."

Swayman stopped 30 of 32 shots but his team lost 2-1 in overtime to Utah in their most recent game. The Bruins led for about 22 minutes after Cole Koepke scored in the second period. However, Vladislav Kolyachonok tied the game for Utah in the third period. Michael Kesselring scored the winning goal in overtime.

Despite the loss, Jeremy Swayman remains the Bruins' top goalie. His record this season is 2-1-1. He has allowed 11 goals on 116 shots in four starts.

Boston Bruins lose 2-1 in OT to Utah

The Boston Bruins played against the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday at Delta Center and lost 2-1. The first period saw no goals from either team.

In the second period, the Bruins took the lead after Cole Koepke scored at 12:49 with a wrist shot from the right circle. They had a chance to extend the lead with a power play in the third period but could not score.

Utah tied the game through Vladislav Kolyachonok at 14:51 of the third. He came in from the left circle and scored with a backhand shot.

In overtime, Michael Kesselring scored the winning goal for Utah. He made a wrist shot from the right face-off circle, giving Utah their first overtime win at home.

“I thought they started faster than us. I thought they were more determined than we were, they were more relentless. I didn't think we managed pucks very well because of their sticks,” Boston coach Jim Montgomery said (via NHL.com).

The loss dropped Boston's record to 3-2-1. The Bruins will finish their three-game road trip against the winless Nashville Predators on Tuesday.