Swayman talks emerging career with Bruins in Q&A with NHL.com
Goalie discusses influence of Rask, closeness with Ullmark
NEW YORK -- It was opening night for the Boston Bruins and rookie goalie Jeremy Swayman was getting the start, having earned it with a strong finish to last season and an impressive training camp in September.
Across from the 23-year-old in the Dallas Stars net at TD Garden on Oct. 16 was Braden Holtby, who just so happened to be the goalie Swayman, 23, was a big fan of while growing up in Anchorage, Alaska.
Swayman couldn't let the moment pass without at least passing word to Holtby.
"I really liked Braden Holtby growing up and actually playing against him the home opener was special," Swayman said. "I got to tell him beforehand too and he kind of looked at me like, 'What?'"
Swayman laughed as he told the story.
"I didn't want to age him," he added. "But it was perfect."
He got the better of the 32-year-old that night, making 27 saves, 14 in the third period, in a 3-1 win.
Swayman's season has since gone on a bit of a rollercoaster.
From Opening Night, he continued playing in tandem with Linus Ullmark until he was demoted to Providence of the American Hockey League on Jan. 12 because Tuukka Rask was back after hip surgery and ready to go with the Bruins again.
Jeremy Swayman stops by NHL Studios
Rask's hip did not allow his return to last more than two weeks. In four games, Rask went 2-2-0 with a 4.28 goals-against average and .844 save percentage. He was forced to retire and Swayman was recalled from Providence on Jan. 29.
He should be in Boston to stay, at least for the rest of the season, but much longer if he keeps playing well. Swayman is 10-7-3 with a 2.14 GAA, a .923 save percentage and two shutouts in 21 games (20 starts).
"I just want to take it day by day, make the most of it and enjoy the process," Swayman said.
Swayman talked further with NHL.com about growing into his role as an NHL goalie with the Bruins, how he got here, his confidence and where that comes from.
It's easy to understand the day-by-day part you talk about because just a few weeks ago you're playing and Tuukka Rask decides he's going to come back and you're the one that goes down to Providence. What was that like for you? How did you take that and what did you learn from that experience?
"I just want to take the positives out of every situation. I was super happy to get the start up with the team and get some good games in. But obviously Tuukka, he's going to come back and he's going to perform. I knew that was a possibility and he has every right to, he's an incredible goalie. I've been really fortunate to create a great relationship with him as well off the ice. To see him retire officially was sad to see but in a way, I was excited for him. I think he's done a lot of great things for the game of hockey and obviously with the Bruins. It's my job to step up now and make sure I'm doing everything I can to help this team win games."
What type of advice did Rask give you?
"He has a lot of experience in the game obviously at this level. There's a lot of demand on travel. You're going to have days off that are important. He was really open with how to make the most out of each day. It's still the game you love, make it simple for yourself. He really brought me down to earth. He was a really good mentor for that, explaining how it all kind of happens."
Have you found that to be true, that it is still the game you were playing as a kid? I mean, there you were at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, fans going nuts, you're first time there, but were you just playing the game you were playing growing up?
"Exactly. You dream of those moments of being in the Garden or putting on the Bruins jersey for the first time, but you really want to make sure that it is still a game you love. To have that mentality of just happy to be there and super excited to be part of this organization, that's what helps me the most. I feel like I perform my best when I think that way."
From watching, you and Linus Ullmark have developed a relationship that seems pretty tight with the hugs after the game. So describe your relationship with him since you guys are in a way competitors as teammates, and how did that hug celebration come about?
"It just goes to show what kind of person he is. He's a veteran guy. He knows exactly where I am in my career being new, just happy go lucky, excited to be there, but at the same time needing to learn a lot of things as well. Right away he was that mentor for me, exactly like 'Tuuks' in a way. He took it with open arms and he's like, 'Hey, if you need anything off ice or on ice.' I can assure you the hugs happen on practice days too. It's great. It's just a great thing to be around him. He brings a great smile every day and it's great to have that goalie partner you compete with, and you want the best for each other at the same time and obviously what's best for the team. I think we have a really good thing going."
Who developed the hug?
"It was kind of natural. It just kind of happened. I think it was after the home opener. Linus came in hot, the arms came out and it was a hug. So, I don't think it was leaving. It was perfect."
Have you had a goalie partner that you haven't gotten along with?
"I've been super fortunate to have good goalie partners, supportive goalie partners. Even the ones that aren't as talkative or friendly they're still working their butt off on the ice. I think that's what I love taking away from every goalie partner I've had. But to have a great relationship and be able to meet his family and be a part of that it just adds another element of that love for your teammate and a brotherhood."
Pregame routine, do you have one? What are your must-haves, must-dos?
"I'm not the crazy superstitious guy but you definitely have your routines, everyone does. I like juggling. I like playing sewer ball (a soccer-style warm-up in the hallway). I like laughing, keeping it light and having fun. It's a game."
A lot of times guys will stay away from the starting goalie. Do they stay away from you?
"No, guys don't have a problem coming up to me. It's good. It's good to have that mentality of, 'Hey, he's just here to play and he's going to be ready no matter what.' "
I read a story about you in the Boston Globe before the season started and there were a lot of quotes in there with people always questioning you, can he do it, but you would always tell the coach, whoever it was, 'I'm going to win you games.' Did you tell that to Don Sweeney and Bruce Cassidy?
"Yeah. … That's something that I have always wanted to do is have that confidence in myself and have that confidence with management or coaches and teammates. It's a lot to say and you've got to back it up with performance. It's a learning experience. Everything I want to do is win. No matter what it takes I want to win. That's what I want to instill in my teammates and the organization."
Where does the confidence come from?
"I think it's a family thing, pretty proud family. The Swaymans have always been one to do it above and beyond. My dad being that great mentor for me, he didn't come from much and worked his way to be a doctor. He's a huge mentor, role model for me. He's got integrity. He doesn't do anything half, he's always full, and that includes the lawn, everything. It's pretty cool, these things I got to learn from him. It's definitely instilled in my career and my everyday life."
Your dad grew up in Brooklyn and went to Alaska. How did that happen?
"He bounced around. I still have a lot of family in the New York area and Florida area. He went to Florida State and did residency in San Francisco and then Seattle and then made his way up to Alaska. So, slowly made it to the West Coast and up. He was always outdoorsy. I was so fortunate to grow up in Alaska. The hockey community there is something but just the community in general … it's just an incredible place to live and be a part of that tight knit really incredible community. The things I've gotten to do there people dream to do. It's just cool to have that all up in my backyard."
So what does your dad think of having an NHL goalie in the family now?
"Not much. He expects more. It's like what else are you going to do for us. It's awesome. He keeps me grounded. It's great to talk with him about what we could do next, what's the next goal."
---
Listen: New episode of NHL @TheRink
