The Bruins are facing an uphill battle against the Panthers, with the odds stacked against them. Prior to Game 5 they were trailing 3-1 in the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoff Eastern Conference semi-final series and Boston has never won a playoff round when in this kind of situation. Despite the tough situation, Jeremy Swayman remained determined as we shall discuss in his playoff stats. After the Game 4 loss, he was ready to bounce back and fight for a comeback. And on Tuesday, Swayman and the Bruins accomplished exactly that. In a crucial Game 5 at Amerant Bank Arena, with their backs against the wall, Swayman once again showcased his confidence and brilliance. He stood tall, stopping 28 out of the 29 shots fired his way, leading his team to a hard-fought 2-1 victory. This now leaves the Bruins trailing 3-2 in the series.
Jeremy Swayman’s Confidence and Stats Shines Through in This Year’s Playoffs
It was Swayman’s final save on Tuesday that truly stole the show. As the clock ticked down and the Panthers desperately pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, the pressure was on. With just nine seconds remaining, a Florida defenceman launched a puck from the boards, aiming for the slot. The puck found its way to the stick of Sam Reinhart, a formidable scorer with 57 goals to his name. Reinhart had already beaten Swayman with a rebound goal earlier in the game, making him a dangerous threat.
Yet, Swayman remained unfazed. With his lightning-fast reflexes and unwavering confidence, he denied Reinhart’s attempt, preserving the Bruins’ slim one-goal lead. It was a moment of sheer brilliance, a testament to Swayman’s skill and composure under pressure. The Panthers had hoped for Reinhart to be the hero in that critical moment, but the Bruins had their own hero in the form of Swayman. His exceptional performance in net ensured that the Bruins’ season would continue, keeping their hopes alive for another day.
🎥 Jeremy Swayman reacts following the #NHLBruins Game 5 win: "I'm so grateful for the opportunities and how the games present themselves. I just embrace everything with open arms and a smile. Just so proud of the guys in front of me, the way that they battled…we had an edge." pic.twitter.com/eFPu8vq6Cc
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) May 15, 2024
“I’m so grateful for the opportunities and how the games present themselves. I just embrace everything with open arms and a smile. Just so proud of the guys in front of me, the way that they battled…we had an edge”, said Jeremy Swayman post-game on Tuesday.
Jim Montgomery Gives Praise to his Team
Throughout this year’s playoffs, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery has consistently displayed a refreshing level of honesty with his team, particularly during their intense series against the Panthers. However, he also knows how to shower his team with well-deserved praise and acknowledge their accomplishments when the time calls for it.
“Tonight was our best game of the series”, said Jim Montgomery post-game on Tuesday. “We have a goaltender that is extremely confident. His swagger gives confidence. We know he believes it.”
"Tonight was our best game of the series." — Coach Montgomery on the #NHLBruins Game 5 victory in Florida pic.twitter.com/zqMZQamcEN
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) May 15, 2024
Extra Day of Rest for the Bruins
Following a tough stretch of eight games in 15 days, the Boston Bruins can finally take a breather after securing a hard-fought 2-1 win against the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Second Round. With Game 6 scheduled for Friday at TD Garden, the additional day off couldn’t have come at a better time.
With an additional day of rest, Brad Marchand can now focus on his recovery from an upper-body injury. The Bruins’ captain, who missed the last two games, remains day-to-day after a collision with Panthers centre Sam Bennett in Game 3 on May 10th.
This extra day off will also be beneficial for Jeremy Swayman, who has been a standout player for Boston in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite facing the most shots in the League, Swayman has maintained an impressive 2.16 goals against average and .933 save percentage. Prior to this postseason, the 25-year-old had never started more than five consecutive games, making his performance even more remarkable. Swayman consistently came through for Boston and has displayed confidence to his teammates, propelling them past Toronto in the opening round. Despite back-to-back losses where the Panthers netted six goals each time, Swayman and the Bruins didn’t let it deter them. The young 25-year-old rose to the occasion, making a pivotal play that turned the series in Boston’s favour.
THAT IS THE SWAY 👏 #NHLBruins | @BoschToolsNA pic.twitter.com/KB0FLUXgah
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) May 15, 2024
The Bruins will face off against the Panthers in Game 6 at TD Garden tonight!
Main photo credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
