“It’s embarrassing”: Bruins defenseman criticizes Jeremy Swayman after heated goalie fight attempt

The Boston Bruins’ struggles continued with a 7-1 loss to the Angeles Kings, extending their losing streak to six games. A heated moment saw Jeremy Swayman challenge Darcy Kuemper to a goalie fight, but officials intervened. Defenseman Nikita Zadorov didn’t mince words, calling the team’s performance “embarrassing.”

During the second period, Bruins forward Marat Khusnutdinov got into an altercation with Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper. Kuemper responded by jabbing Khusnutdinov with his blocker before putting him in a headlock. This sparked a reaction from Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, who, after allowing seven goals and posting a .696 save percentage, skated to the red line to challenge Dracy Kuemper to a fight.
Kuemper accepted the challenge, and Swayman took off his gloves and mask, ready to fight. However, the officials quickly intervened, preventing the two goalies from going at it.

After the game, The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa asked Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov—a veteran known for his physical play—about his thoughts on Swayman stepping up. Instead of praising his goalie’s actions, Zadorov dismissed the idea, making it clear he didn’t see it the same way.
“Is that what it is?” Zadorov said. “Looked like it,” Shinzawa replied. “OK,” Zadorov said. “I don’t know. No comment.” Zadorov didn't hold back his thoughts on the goaltending either. “Everything goes in,” Zadorov said. “It’s embarrassing, obviously. How many times we get beat by these teams scoring six goals, seven goals on us this year? It’s definitely unacceptable. It’s not what we’re looking for. Not much to say after this one, for sure.”
Sunday’s game was another tough outing for Jeremy Swayman, marking his fourth straight start without a save percentage above .900.
At the time of his challenge to Kuemper, the Bruins were down 3-2. The Kings had just taken the lead after Drew Doughty capitalized on a rebound Swayman couldn’t control. Los Angeles then extended their lead with a late second-period goal before dominating the third, scoring three more times to seal the blowout.
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Toronto hopes Laughton can turn things around as they face his former team, the Flyers, on Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena. With playoff positioning on the line, the Leafs look to bounce back from their recent struggles. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. EDT.