Boston Bruins
Swayman allowed a center-ice goal to Denmark, but had to laugh it off in the aftermath of the United States’ win.
The United States took care of business against Denmark in Olympic action Saturday, but its win didn’t have much to do with Jeremy Swayman’s performance in net.
Swayman was mediocre at best in net Saturday, giving up a pair of regrettable goals including a shot from center ice that will likely be the lowlight of his entire year.
But, given that it was only a preliminary contest — and one that the U.S. still won — all Swayman could do was laugh off his misfortune postgame. He admitted that he couldn’t see the puck when it came off Nick Jensen’s stick.
“It was a flash screen, and it was just the perfect height between the stands and board level, and I truly lost it,” Swayman told reporters. “Definitely one I want back, but at the same time — especially at this level — you have to stay even keeled.
There was speculation online and on the broadcast that having black boards on the ice opposed to white ones might have hindered Swayman’s ability to see the puck. However, the Bruins netminder offered a humorous quip in response to that theory.
“I’m colorblind, so it doesn’t matter to me.”
The U.S. had more than enough offense to outmatch Denmark on Saturday even if Swayman only made 18 stops in the win. It’s possible that could be Swayman’s only start in net during these Olympics, as the team also has two other premier goaltenders in Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger.
The United States has one more exhibition game on Sunday before the elimination tournament begins Tuesday.
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