Bruins’ Bruce Cassidy Sees ‘A Little Tuukka’ Rask In Jeremy Swayman

It’s honestly quite admirable just how poised and confident Jeremy Swayman has looked in just five NHL games for the Boston Bruins.

Swayman, who likely wouldn’t have seen playing time this year had it not been for injuries and COVID-19, really has made a name for himself between the pipes — from not wanting to be the “weird goalie,” to shutting out the New York Islanders on Friday night.

The 22-year-old praised Tuukka Rask as one of the “best goalies in the world” that he is able to learn from. And Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy even expressed how he sees some Rask in Swayman.

“Very composed. He does have some of that Tuukka (in him), right?,” Cassidy said after the 3-0 win at TD Garden. “That technically sound, composed guy that never looks out of control. It’s good to see. Good for him. He’s a good kid, he works hard. Both our young goaltenders have really stepped up when we needed them.”

Pretty on point.

Jaroslav Halak remained on the NHL’s COVID-19 list for the 12th straight day Friday and it’s unclear when he will return to game action. The good news, though, is that should Halak miss more extended time, Swayman certainly will be up for taking on more games.