The Boston Bruins‘ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, have been dominating the AHL so far this season. They are currently a top their division, although it’s only them, the Hartford Wolf Pack, and Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Along with being first in their division, the P-Bruins are also second in the entire AHL. A large part to their success has been their goaltending. The duo of Dan Vladar and Jeremy Swayman has been arguably the best tandem in the AHL so far this season.
However, Providence has been without both Vladar and Swayman as of late because they are bother with Boston, whether on the taxi squad or regular roster, because Tuukka Rask is out with an injury.
Right now, without Swayman and Vladar, the P-Bruins have the choice of either Callum Booth or Kyle Keyser in net.
Boston Bruins’ fans should keep an eye on Kyle Keyser.
In yesterday’s 6-1 victory over the New York Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, Kyle Keyser was between the pipes.
Keyser was impressive, stopping 27 out of 28 Hartford shots on his way to his first AHL win of the season, and just second career AHL win. This was Keyser’s first AHL start in over a year as he’s had to battle back from injuries.
Keyser’s solid play yesterday earned him some praise from Providence head coach Jay Leach. Leach said:
"“He was very good, and he had to be. They came at us hard and he made a couple of really nice saves in the slot early.”"
Here’s a highlight from yesterday:
Kyle Keyser is making things look easy today in his season debut for Providence. Keyser, who missed significant time with injuries, is finally healthy and looks great in the crease. Active, athletic and sharp between the pipes when fighting off this shot. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/asAsMmV0e0
— Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) March 20, 2021
While this is just one game, it’s very encouraging that Keyser came in and played so well after not playing in the AHL in over a year.
When healthy, Keyser had struggled to play well so far in his short time in professional hockey. In his previous six regular-season AHL games, the 22-year-old has a 3.21 goals-against average (GAA) and .890 save percentage (SV%). In his one AHL playoff game, Keyser has a 3.15 GAA and .897 SV%.
Before this season, Keyser only had played one game in the ECHL where he posted a 4.10 GAA and .818 SV%. However, this season, Keyser has turned it around and has a 2.42 GAA and .918 SV% in 16 games.
Hopefully Keyser can continue to play well and develop. If Vladar or Swayman doesn’t work out, Keyser can provide another option. Even if he isn’t in the B’s future plans, he could be used as trade bait if he can continue to play well.