Having two starter-calibre goaltenders is a good problem for the Boston Bruins to have, but Jeremy Swayman is certainly making coach Jim Montgomery’s job a little bit harder.
Through the first three games of their playoff series, it’s appeared that the Bruins wanted to continuing to alternate starts between their 2023 William Jennings Trophy-winning duo. But after Swayman’s 28-save performance on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs to put his squad up 2-1, it’s fair to wonder if Montgomery is willing to deviate from that plan and start the 25-year-old in Game 4.
“Personally, I don’t want rest,” Swayman told reporters after the 4-2 win. “I just want to keep playing. No matter when I get the call, whether it’s back-to-back or every other game, I want to make sure my body is ready and I’m ready to perform at my best.”
Even if he’s not keen to sit on the bench as his squad looks to take a commanding lead over the Maple Leafs, he also knows he’s not entitled to start.
When asked if he thinks he’s earned the Game 4 start over Linus Ullmark, even if it meant breaking the longstanding rotation, Swayman was emphatic in his answer.
“Never. I’m never going to expect anything. I’m going to earn it. So, it’s all I care about.”
Swayman hasn’t started two games in a row since Feb. 19-21.
Starting the six-foot-three, 25-year-old in net would never be a disadvantage for the Bruins as he’s proved to be a Leafs killer. Over the past two seasons, Swayman is 6-0-0 against the Maple Leafs, with a .959 save percentage and 1.31 goals-against average. He also has had four 30-save performances.
You can catch Game 4 on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
