BOSTON — If you root for the Boston Bruins, you really, really, really want to believe what Jeremy Swayman says.
In the face of another devastating Game 5 loss on home ice Tuesday night, one in which the Bruins could’ve closed out their first round opponent, Swayman told a throng of assembled media postgame that while he’s disappointed with the outcome, he’s completely motivated — and eager — to help his team close out the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“It’s self explanatory,” said the goaltender, who stopped 31 of 33 shots in a 2-1 overtime loss. “It’s Boston Bruins hockey, and that alone is what can motivation all of us — especially me. I understand what I’m representing, the magnitude of what the spoked-B represents, and I’m proud to wear it. That’s what’s going to help me and my teammates get the job done.”
The 25-year-old Swayman, who has clearly taken over the No. 1 job between the pipes this postseason, was both calm and confident in his comments. It wasn’t braggadocio but rather a belief in himself, his teammates and his organization.
Instead of an Eeyore-type ‘Oh no, here we go again’ vibe in the locker room, Swayman exuded positivity, speaking like a politician hyping up his base following an unexpected primary setback.
If he delivered a similar message to his teammates shortly after Toronto’s Matthew Knies beat him off a rebound just 2:26 into the extra session, they likely would’ve been ready to play Game 6 right then and there.
So what is it about this group, he was asked, that makes Swayman so self-assured, believing it’s not a matter of if the Bruins can win the series but when?
“Excellent question,” he said. “I think it’s our leadership, first and foremost. The history of this team, the city we represent, and the people in this locker room, the coaching staff through and through; our management. Everyone is a great human being and wants the best for one another — and that’s contagious.
“There’s no other team I’d rather play for with that kind of integrity, work ethic, and all around just good people,” he added. “That’s why we’re able to lean on each other in important moments and get the job done.”
If not for Swayman, the Bruins might’ve been blown out Tuesday. They were flat from the get-go and let a Leafs team minus Auston Matthews out-hustle and out-chance them while keeping Boston hemmed in its own zone for long stretches of play.
Still, the Bruins managed to take the game to overtime — exactly as they did a year ago in another potential Game 5 series clincher against Florida — and had a great chance to wrap up the series when Charlie Coyle nearly tipped a shot past Leafs keeper Joseph Woll 42 seconds in. But it wasn’t to be, and Toronto buried its chance less than two minutes later.
Now with a 1.49 goals against average and stellar .952 save percentage in four playoff games, Swayman went so far as to say he “got goosebumps” thinking about how exciting it’ll be to see his team respond at the Air Canada Centre Thursday night in Game 6.
About the only thing he wished could be different was that they weren’t able to wrap this series up in front of their home crowd and start preparing for a rematch with the Panthers in Round 2.
“Incredible; we thrive off that energy,” he said of the TD Garden denizens. “This team is so special, this city is so special because of the people that represent us and support us. It’s going to feel good when we make them happy.”
As Trent Frederic, who had the Boston goal and had three chances in a 4-second span to end it with about seven minutes to go, said “We only have to win one game.” The Bruins have two chances to do so, playing back at home in Game 7 Saturday if need be.
Swayman, for one, believes it’ll happen Thursday in Ontario’s most populous city.
“Absolutely — and we all know it’s coming,” said Swayman. “So I can’t be more excited.”
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Phil Stacey, the Executive Sports Editor of The Salem News, covers the Boston Bruins for CNHI Sports Boston. Contact him at pstacey@salemnews.com and follow him on X @PhilStacey_SN