By: Chad Jones | Follow me on Twitter/X @ShutUpChadJones
17 games into the 2026-2027 season, the Boston Bruins have banked 25 points thanks to a record of 12-4-1. Bruins Head Coach Marco Sturm has Boston atop the Atlantic Division.
There have been so many positives on the ice that have propelled Boston to a successful start. The offensive attack has been incredibly balanced, with all four lines consistently contributing each game. The defense is gelling as a unit and playing with a sturdy style. Bruins veterans and young players alike are performing their duties extremely well.
A major reason Boston is tied for 3rd in the NHL in points has been the play of the Bruins’ netminders. Jeremy Swayman and Michael DiPietro have both been outstanding between the pipes.
It has been business as usual for Boston’s number one netminder. Swayman has picked up right where he left off last season, when he was a Vezina Trophy finalist. In 12 games, Swayman has grabbed eight wins, which ties him for fifth most in the NHL among goalies. His 2.31 goals-against average and his .913 save percentage are both top ten in the league.
As is often the case, Swayman has stepped up in key situations for Boston. His .869 high-danger save percentage is good for eighth in the NHL. His calm presence in the blue paint as Boston’s last line of defense has been a massive component of the Bruins winning formula.
DiPietro has been nothing short of terrific as Boston’s backup goaltender. Getting to partake in consistent NHL action for the first time, the netminder has taken full advantage of his opportunity.
In five games, DiPietro has posted four wins, one of them being a shutout. His 2.20 goals-against average and .925 save percentage are both top ten caliber. He has been everything Boston could have hoped for. He tracks the puck well and competes hard in the net each game. Aside from the occasional bad goal, DiPietro has been wonderful.
As the season goes on, it will be fascinating to see how Sturm divvies up the playing time for Boston’s goalie tandem. Swayman has started 12 of Boston’s first 17 games, which comes out to just over 70 percent of the action. That would put him on track to start around 59 games this season, which would surpass his career high, set in 2025, by one.
It is a fantastic sign that DiPietro has proven capable so far and has not yet submitted a true clunker. With the schedule now up to 84 games this regular season, he will need to play well for Swayman to stay mentally and physically sharp for the playoff push.
The Bruins will need Swayman and DiPietro to be solid all season to get back to the postseason. The offensive output is bound to slow down at some point or at least go through cold stretches. But Boston’s netminders are giving the Bruins a chance each night to compete for two points. If both goalies continue to perform at this high level, the Bruins will make it back to the playoffs this spring.
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