Bruins Goalie Jeremy Swayman Nears Return After Injury Scare

BOSTON, Mass. — Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who missed Thursday’s game due to an upper-body injury, is nearing a return to the ice. Interim head coach Joe Sacco confirmed that Swayman participated in Friday’s morning skate at Warrior Ice Arena and could be available for Saturday’s matinee matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at TD Garden.

Swayman sustained the injury during the second period of Wednesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils, where he allowed four goals. Despite the setback, Sacco described the injury as minor and expressed cautious optimism about Swayman’s availability. “He should be an option for Saturday,” Sacco told reporters.

In Swayman’s absence, Joonas Korpisalo started in net during Thursday’s 3-2 overtime win against the Ottawa Senators. Michael DiPietro, called up from AHL Providence, served as Korpisalo’s backup. DiPietro, 25, has been a standout performer in Providence this season, posting a 1.95 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage.

The Bruins’ injury woes extend beyond Swayman. Defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk, along with winger Cole Koepke, remain sidelined. Sacco did not provide a timeline for their return. Meanwhile, forward Trent Frederic returned to the lineup Thursday after missing two games due to illness.

Boston’s power play struggles continued against the Devils, going 0-for-3 and allowing three power-play goals. The Bruins have now surrendered three or more power-play goals in seven games this season, a concerning trend for a team historically strong on special teams.

Saturday’s game against the Avalanche will feature a marquee matchup with Colorado defenseman Cale Makar, a former UMass Amherst standout and reigning Norris Trophy winner. Makar, who leads all NHL defensemen in points this season (16 goals, 37 assists), will make his only appearance at TD Garden this season.

Puck drop for the Bruins-Avalanche game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. The Bruins will then face the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday before hosting the Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers later in the week.