The Bruins moved from the Eastern Conference cellar to 100 points and a Stanley Cup Playoffs spot during Marco Sturm’s first year. Expectations for a playoff push were low, but Jeremy Swayman rebounded after a poor 2024-25 save percentage. He earned a Vezina Trophy finalist nod and posted a .908 save percentage, while also ranking second among qualified goalies in goals saved above expected at 28.8. Swayman’s performance helped compensate for a porous Bruins defense that otherwise would have likely led to another lottery position. Boston also showed a physical identity, leading the NHL in hits and penalty minutes, reflecting a more aggressive style on the ice.
"The Boston Bruins largely exceeded expectations during Marco Sturm's first year at the helm, going from a cellar-dweller in the Eastern Conference standings to 100 points and a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Boston still has plenty of work to do when it comes to taking another step as a legitimate contender, but few expected the Bruins to even be remotely close to the playoff picture this spring."
"Some of our optimism in a Bruins resurgence this past season was rooted in the belief that Jeremy Swayman was far better than the .892 save percentage he submitted during a miserable 2024-25 campaign. Sure enough, Swayman proved that last year's struggles were an aberration - with the 27-year-old netminder earning a finalist nod for the Vezina Trophy."
"While Swayman's baseline stats may not exactly leap off the page (.908 save percentage), they don't paint the full picture of how Swayman routinely bailed out a porous Bruins defense. Among qualified goalies this past season, Swayman ranked second in the NHL in goals saved above expected at 28.8."
"Had it not been for Swayman, a retooling - and flawed - Bruins roster would likely be staring at another lottery pick this spring. Boston leads the NHL in hits, penalty minutes The verdict: Close, but no cigar."
Read at Boston.com
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