Jeremy Swayman Gets His Shot, but Team USA’s Net Still Belongs to Hellebuyck
Boston Bruins fans finally got a glimpse of Jeremy Swayman in Olympic action on Saturday, as the Team USA netminder got the nod against Denmark. On paper, it looked like a routine win - a 6-3 final, a 47-21 shot advantage, and a U.S. team that steadily pulled away. But dig a little deeper, and Swayman’s outing raises more questions than it answers.
Let’s be clear: this was a game Team USA controlled for long stretches. But the early moments told a different story.
Denmark came out swinging, and by the end of the first period, they were up 2-1 - helped along by a goal that will live in the blooper reel more than the highlight tape. It was the kind of fluky bounce that makes goalies shake their heads, but it also underscored a shaky start from Swayman, who struggled to find rhythm early.
To his credit, Swayman settled down as the game progressed. But just when it looked like he might lock things down, Denmark snuck in a third goal late in the second period - a brief jolt that reminded everyone this wasn’t a cruise-control performance. From there, Team USA’s offense took over, dominating puck possession and leaving Swayman largely untested the rest of the way.
Give Denmark credit - they didn’t roll over. They challenged the Americans with speed and structure, forcing all four U.S. lines to stay engaged.
But the focus now shifts to the crease, and what head coach Mike Sullivan does next. There’s no debate about who owns the starter’s job: it’s Connor Hellebuyck’s net.
The real question is about the backup role - and whether Swayman’s showing helped or hurt his chances to earn another look.
With the Americans set to wrap up round-robin play against Germany on Sunday, the expectation is that Hellebuyck will be back between the pipes. Since Swayman went on Saturday, Jake Oettinger is likely to dress as the backup.
But beyond that? That’s where things get interesting.
Swayman’s start was, in many ways, his long-awaited opportunity. Last year, during the 4 Nations Face-Off, Sullivan leaned heavily on Hellebuyck and gave the lone non-Hellebuyck start to Oettinger.
That left Bruins fans wondering when - or if - Swayman would get his shot. Saturday was that moment.
And while he wasn’t shelled or overwhelmed, he didn’t exactly slam the door shut either.
Right now, the depth chart seems to have solidified: Hellebuyck is the undisputed No. 1, with Oettinger as the likely No. 2.
Swayman, for all his talent, appears to remain the third option. Unless something changes - whether it’s fatigue, injury, or a sudden shift in game plan - it’s hard to see Swayman getting another start in this tournament.
That said, the schedule could open the door slightly. If Team USA advances past the quarterfinals, they’ll be looking at a stretch of up to four games in about a week.
That kind of grind can wear on even the most durable goalies. Could that mean a spot start for Oettinger or even another look for Swayman?
It’s possible. But as it stands, this is Hellebuyck’s ride - and it’ll stay that way unless his legs give out.
For Swayman, Saturday was a chance to show what he could do on the Olympic stage. He didn’t flounder, but he didn’t force the issue either. And in a tournament where every start matters, that middle ground might not be enough to earn another one.