Maine hockey fans have seen a lot of memorable moments in net from Jeremy Swayman. None may have been scarier than one from Tuesday night.
Swayman, a former University of Maine goalie and current Boston Bruins netminder, lost his helmet during Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and nearly took a blistering slap shot to the face.
At first glance, it almost looks like the shot itself knocked Swayman’s mask off. But video from multiple angles shows how contact from Toronto center Steven Lorentz actually jarred his mask loose just as the slap shot from Maple Leafs defender Philippe Myers was arriving at the net.
Thankfully, that slightly redirected screamer from Meyers sailed past Swayman, just barely missing his exposed face and avoiding disaster.
Swayman’s reaction said it all. He immediately touched his glove to his helmet-less head, looked around with his mouth agape in shock, before flashing a giant smile in relief.
You can watch that play and Swayman’s reaction here courtesy of a video from TSN, a Canadian sports network.
The Bruins were leading 4-1 in the second period at the time of Swayman’s scary moment. He and his team went on to win 5-3. Swayman had 30 saves.
