Jeremy Swayman was outstanding in net for the Bruins during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Boston goalie stopped 322 shots in 11 games while posting a .933 save percentage and a 2.16 goals-against average.
Former Bruins player and coach Mike Milbury said Swayman was one of the keys to leading Boston to a Game 6 victory when he appeared Thursday on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show.” .
“Swayman has to be a showstopper or a Swaystopper,” Milbury said. “He must be in top form. (Having) two days off, I think it was good for him.
“The schedule was ideal for using just one goalie. You play every other day, and then all of a sudden, you take a two-day break… enough to get it back together and refocus. This guy (Swayman) seems to be as focused as anyone.
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In addition to Swayman’s play in net, Milbury believes the Bruins should build on their play in Game 5.
“The path to a win is pretty much the same path they took in Game 5,” Milbury said. “Quick exits from the zone were better. The passes were a lot cleaner and I think I’m trying not to take any penalties. Especially not another too many men on the ice penalty, which is ridiculous.
“I thought Florida’s power play moved the puck really well. Swayman had to make some great saves to keep them out of the box. Somehow the (Bruins) power play has to generate a little more than they have, because it’s been anemic for the most part.
Florida has scored six power play goals in the series after going 0 for 11 on the power play in four regular season games this season. On the ice, Boston has only scored one power play goal in 14 tries.
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Milbury expects the Bruins to be focused when they take the ice for Game 6 at home.
“I think the way they played in the last game has rejuvenated their ambitions and that’s a good thing,” he said. “I am optimistic about a very good match. I can’t promise anyone a victory, but I think people will be excited in the locker room and in the stands.
The Black and Gold are in a must-win situation for Game 6, with the Panthers leading the best-of-seven series 3-2. Puck drop at TD Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on TNT, but you can watch pregame coverage on NESN and postgame coverage on NESN+.
