Jeremy Swayman Makes his Feelings Known on the Bruins Struggle this Season Amidst Rumoured Locker Room Tension
Jeremy Swayman didn't hold back his words regarding his poor start as well as the team's underwhelming performance this season that led to their coach's firing.
The Boston Bruins fired head coach Jim Montgomery on Tuesday following a rough start to the season.
After 20 games played, the team has stumbled to an 8-9-3 record which has them playing well outside the playoff picture in the East.
While the players are far from blameless for the poor start, it was Montgomery who paid the price for the lackluster performance.
One player under increasing pressure is goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
His numbers thus far, 5-7-2 record, .884 save percentage, and 3.47 goals-against average, have left much to be desired.
Adding fuel to the fire is his recent eight-year, $8.25 million-per-year contract extension, signed after a contentious holdout that saw him skip training camp in September.
To this point, critics will say, his play hasn't justified the hefty price tag.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Swayman spoke to the need for improvement, saying he knows what needs to change.
But his on-ice struggles are not the only issue.
According to team insider Fluto Shinzawa, Swayman's contract negotiations irritated teammates and contributed to the Bruins' less-than-solid start to the 2024-25 season.
Shinzawa does not make Swayman the lone scapegoat, but he suggests tension among teammates is on the rise.
That was the final straw for Montgomery as the Bruins suffered an embarrassing 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Swayman allowed five goals on 29 shots in that game, fueling fan frustration and raising questions about whether Boston miscalculated in committing to him long-term.
According to Shinzawa, the question might be trickling into the Bruins' locker room.
- Fluto Shinzawa
If Swayman wants to repair the relationship with his teammates, and the fans, it seems crystal clear that he will have to raise his game.
Simple as it gets: Time to step up, Jeremy.
