Hockey is a sport that relies significantly on momentum. That’s something that Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman carried into the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.
But momentum can swing in the blink of an eye. Swayman got the call on Saturday against Denmark in what was a largely winnable game for Team USA. Sure, the Americans pulled off a 6-3 win over the Danish side.
But Swayman looked far from sharp. An embarrassing long-distance goal highlighted a shaky outing that cost Swayman a chance at seeing the ice in this Olympic tourney. When the US played Germany on Sunday, it was all-world goalie Connor Hellebuyck back in the saddle.
That’s a situation that the Bruins could lament. Swayman has been fantastic all season long. But now, could his rocky outing mess with his confidence?
It’s a possibility. Pro athletes often need little time to shake off a poor showing. Getting right back in the game is typically the best way to get over a bad game. But what happens when that next game takes weeks to come around?
There’s no telling how much the Bruins starting netminder might ruminate on what went wrong. Yes, that soft goal was not entirely his fault. The circumstances were not in his favor. And well, the outcome was a less-than-flattering one.
But instead of riding high, Swayman may return to Boston on a bit of damper. A gold medal would certainly help alleviate any negative feelings. But there’s no telling just how much this situation could have gotten into Swayman’s head.
Bruins Need Swayman Sharp for Stretch Run
Even if Swayman spends a couple of days going over what didn’t go right, the fact is that the Bruins will need him at his best. Boston is in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. That’s why a sharp Swayman is precisely what the team needs to stay in the race.
The Bruins will next hit the ice on February 26 at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets. That’s the perfect scenario for Swayman to get back on the horse and show why he’s one of the best netminders in the NHL.
The stage is set for Boston’s number-one goalie to lead his team as he has the entire season. If Swayman can’t carry his team, a slide down the standings could be on the horizon.
Time Is on Boston’s Side
The Olympic layoff has allowed the Bruins some additional time to rest and recover. Players and coaches aren’t due back until February 17. So, that gives everyone a couple of extra days to catch up on sleep and recoup from ailments.
That time will be crucial as the stretch run in this NHL season will be grueling. March and April will prove to be grinding months as teams jockey for position in the playoff race.
For the Bruins, the challenge won’t be easy. Just about every team in the Atlantic Division feels it has a chance to make the playoffs. So, Boston’s upcoming games will likely have a playoff feel to them.
That means the intensity level in just about every game after the Olympics will be through the roof. It will make for highly entertaining hockey, but not precisely the friendliest for players and coaches.
Bruins Could Lament Swayman’s Poor Olympic Outing