Swayman’s Surge Puts Team USA’s Goaltending Hierarchy in Flux
With the puck officially dropped on the Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament, the spotlight is turning to the crease - and Team USA suddenly has a fascinating decision to make behind Connor Hellebuyck.
The Winnipeg Jets netminder was the expected choice to start in Thursday’s opener against Latvia, and multiple reports have now confirmed he’ll get the nod. No surprise there - Hellebuyck’s been a rock for the Jets all season and brings a steady veteran presence to the American net.
But what happens after Game 1? That’s where things get interesting.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, while Hellebuyck is clearly the go-to guy to open the tournament, Jeremy Swayman is making a strong case to see action as the games progress. And it’s not just about giving the backup a turn - Swayman has arguably been the most consistent of the three American goalies this season. If the U.S. decides to ride the hot hand, it could be Swayman, not Jake Oettinger, who gets the next opportunity in net.
Let’s break it down.
Swayman has quietly put together a strong campaign in Boston, posting a 22-12-3 record with a 2.92 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. Those numbers might not jump off the page in a vacuum, but context matters - he’s doing that behind a Bruins team that’s been grinding just to stay in the playoff picture. His ability to deliver timely saves and steady performances has been a major reason Boston is still in the hunt.
Oettinger, meanwhile, has had a more rollercoaster season. His 23-10-4 record, 2.73 GAA, and .897 save percentage are solid on paper, but they come with some caveats.
He’s playing behind a deeper, more defensively sound Dallas Stars team, and his performance has seen more highs and lows. Case in point: Oettinger enters the tournament on a six-game winning streak - a great sign - but that came right after a stretch where he dropped six of seven starts during a rough patch for the Stars.
That kind of inconsistency is something Team USA’s coaching staff will have to weigh carefully. In a short tournament like this, every game matters.
There’s little room for error, and momentum can swing fast. If Swayman’s current form gives the Americans a better shot in a tight matchup, don’t be surprised to see him get the call.
For now, it’s Hellebuyck’s crease. He’ll lead the charge against Latvia, and rightly so. But behind him, the backup battle is very much alive - and Swayman’s stock is rising at just the right time.
Team USA has depth in net, and that’s a good problem to have. The question now is how they manage it.