Jeremy Swayman earns a spot on the Bruins playoff roster

Over the past two months, Jeremy Swayman has been a key part of the Boston Bruins’ success. With Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak out of action, the Anchorage native was called up to the NHL. Since making his debut, he has surpassed expectations as the Bruins made their playoff push. Following the Bruins’ last regular season on Tuesday night, he was rewarded for his play.

In Bruce Cassidy’s post-game conference, he announced that Swayman would be Tuukka Rask’s backup in the playoffs. Over the past two years, that is a role that has gone to Jaroslav Halak. While Swayman has only played in ten NHL games it shows just how good he has been.

Through Swayman’s first ten NHL starts, he has posted a 1.50 goals-against average. In that span, he has also recorded two shutouts and only allowed 15 goals. Despite having nine AHL games on his resume, he has looked like he belongs in the NHL.

Additionally, in Swayman’s brief NHL tenure, he has not allowed more than three goals in a start. With most of the Bruins regulars out of the lineup Tuesday night, Swayman stopped 32 of the Capital’s 34 shots on net. He almost earned the Bruins a point before Michael Raffi put Washington in front with less than three seconds left in regulation.

As Swayman prepares for his first NHL postseason, his regular-season performance put him in special company. In high-danger situations, he posted a .895 save percentage. That is the best mark among goalies who played ten or more games this season. In high-pressure situations, Swayman has looked like a seasoned veteran.

With the playoffs only three days away, the Bruins have earned at least a point in five of their last seven games. In that span, Swayman made three starts and stopped 62 of the 66 shots he faced. With Rask and the former Mike Richter winner in net, the Bruins are in good hands as they look to make a deep playoff run.