By: Mary Olivia Eyears | Follow me on Twitter / X @OliviaEyears
A strong team starts with confidence in the crease, and the Boston Bruins are showing just how valuable that can be. Starting goaltender Jeremy Swayman leads the way, and his backup netminder Michael DiPietro steps up when called upon. Boston’s goaltending has been key to the early-season success as the Bruins look to keep building momentum. The goaltenders’ performances raise the question: Could one of Boston’s biggest advantages be between the pipes?
The 27-year-old Swayman has wasted no time picking up where he left off last season. In the 2025-2026 season, he earned his first Vezina Trophy nomination, and the Bruins’ starting goaltender has continued to deliver impressive performances. In his first nine games, Swayman has posted a 7-1-1 record, a .920 save percentage, and a 2.20 goals-against average. His strong start has given the Bruins a dependable presence in net and helped set the tone for success.
When the Bruins need a big save, the 6′-3″ 194-pound Alaskan native has shown he can deliver. On October 17, Swayman stopped 25 of 26 shots in the 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. After allowing one goal about 31 seconds in, he shut the door on the Kings for the rest of the night. Performances like these show just how valuable Swayman can be when the pressure is on, especially in games where every save matters.
Swayman’s impact goes beyond his impressive numbers. He has tallied seven wins through his first nine games; the former 2017 fourth-round selection has established himself as one of the league’s early leaders in the crease. His competitive energy and ability to bounce back have given Boston plenty of confidence in its starting goaltender. As the season progresses, Swayman’s readiness to perform could make all the difference for the Bruins.
Michael DiPietro isn’t wasting his chance to make a name for himself. The 27-year-old has brought determination and grit that have contributed to his success. Through his first three starts, he has posted a 2-1-0 record, a .941 save percentage, and a 1.69 goals-against average. Those numbers have put him in a great place in the league.
The 5′-11″, 205-pound Windsor, Ontario, Canada, native is a two-time American Hockey League goaltender of the year and has already given Bruins fans a taste of what he can do. On October 16, he earned his first career National Hockey League win, making 26 saves in the 4-2 win. Less than a week later, he followed it up with a 28-save shutout game against Nashville on October 22. Two major career milestones in less than a week is quite the way to start the season. His performances show that the Bruins don’t necessarily have to rely on Swayman to carry the load every night.
Having a second goalie who can step in and deliver is a major advantage over an 84-game season. DiPietro is making a strong case for himself in this league and showing that he can leave an impact. His emergence gives Boston more flexibility in managing workload, injuries, and maintenance days without sacrificing a chance at points. DiPietro still has plenty to prove at the NHL level, but his early performance is encouraging.
It is still early in the season, but the Bruins have many reasons to feel confident about who’s between the pipes. Swayman continues to show why he’s one of the NHL’s top goaltenders, while DiPietro proves he can make the most of every opportunity. With both goaltenders delivering impressive performances, Boston has the chance to build something very special this season. With a long season ahead, this duo could be one of Boston’s biggest advantages.
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