Jeremy Swayman delivered a stellar performance with 28 saves, propelling the Boston Bruins to a crucial 2-1 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Second Round at Amerant Bank Arena on Tuesday. This win helped the Bruins stave off elimination and cut the series deficit to 3-2.
Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers Game 5
Swayman was particularly impressive in the third period, making 10 critical saves, including a point-blank stop against Sam Reinhart with just nine seconds remaining to secure the win for Boston.
Game 6 is set to take place in Boston on Friday, where the Bruins will look to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Jeremy Swayman saves in Game 5
“I aim to stay sharp throughout the game, from the first drop of the puck to the final whistle,” Swayman stated. “I thrive on energy and the only thing that matters to me is supporting my teammates in black and gold.”
Charlie McAvoy, who notched a goal and an assist, and Morgan Geekie, who also scored, were pivotal in the Bruins’ success. Boston, the Atlantic Division’s second seed, showcased resilience and determination.
“Never say die,” McAvoy asserted. “We’re heading back home, and this series is wide open. We need to win the day, just as we did today. Let’s go home and take care of business.”
Bruins vs Panthers Eastern Conference Second Round
Despite the loss, Reinhart found the net for Florida, and Sergei Bobrovsky contributed 26 saves for the Panthers, the top seed from the Atlantic Division.
“They were really fast, and we struggled with our puck movement,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice remarked. “They had a strong first period, but we managed to improve as the game progressed. We had our chances but didn’t execute our game plan effectively.”
The Bruins dominated early, with Geekie opening the scoring at 4:49 of the first period. He capitalized on a pass from Jake DeBrusk, maneuvering around the net to slip a backhand shot past Bobrovsky’s extended stick. Boston outshot Florida 13-4 in this period, setting a high tempo.
“Our decision-making with the puck in the first period was excellent, leading to significant offensive zone time and quality scoring opportunities,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery commented. “Tonight was our best game of the series.”
Florida leveled the score at 1-1 at 6:23 of the second period when Swayman’s poke of Aaron Ekblad’s point shot rebounded to Reinhart, who scored from the low slot.
“You play a seven-game series for a reason,” Reinhart noted. “It’s not always going to go your way. We need to learn and improve. We’ll recover and come back stronger.”
Charlie McAvoy goal and assist
McAvoy restored Boston’s lead at 10:25 of the second period, converting a drop pass from Charlie Coyle and lifting a shot over Bobrovsky’s shoulder. Maurice’s challenge for goaltender interference was denied after a video review.
“I’m glad that one went our way,” McAvoy said. “You never know with these calls, and we really needed that goal.”
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