Boston Bruins

Swayman Allows One of the Worst Olympic Goals Ever

See how Swayman’s bad goal Olympics became a talking point, overshadowing Team USA’s win against Denmark in their preliminary match.

by
NHL Trade Talk
February 14, 2026

Team USA is likely going to move on and beat Team Denmark on Saturday, but there was a moment in the game that goaltender Jeremy Swayman would love to have back. Some are using the excuse that the dark puck was hidden by the dark coloring on the boards. Either way, it was not Swayman’s finest moment.

According to the CBC panel, the most likely explanation for the center-ice goal on Jeremy Swayman was the darker boards hiding the puck 🫣 pic.twitter.com/GEaIV5EVn8
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 14, 2026

The Boston Bruins netminder made his Olympic debut for Team USA on Saturday at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, but his first start quickly turned into a viral talking point. Facing Denmark in preliminary-round action, Swayman surrendered a stunning center-ice goal that instantly became one of the most talked-about plays of the tournament. And, it wasn’t for a good reason.

Fans were quick to react. “Who thought starting Swayman was a smart idea?,” one fan wrote. “Swayman you are a joke,” wrote another.

Denmark defenseman Nicholas B. Jensen fired a harmless-looking wrist shot from just inside the red line—nearly 95 feet out—that somehow beat Swayman high over the blocker. The goal gave Denmark a 2-1 lead and drew immediate criticism across broadcasts and social media, with some calling it one of the worst goals in Olympic history.

Jeremy Swayman allows a brutal goal against at the Winter Olympics

Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan stuck with Swayman for the third period, after he allowed three goals on 11 shots in the first two periods. Two goals were from long range. With just a few minutes in the game as of this writing, the score is now 5-3 for Team USA.

To their credit, Team USA responded. Goals from Brady Tkachuk and Noah Hanifin helped swing momentum in the second period.

Does Swayman Get Another Look After Today?

The debate about whether to go back to Swayman after today’s performance will be interesting. The United States has solid goaltending, and they can’t afford to allow goals. It will be either to pull Swayman for most of the tournament or trust him to settle in.

Given his strong résumé, it is hoped that this was simply a fluke. Swayman actually got an assist on the team’s fifth goal of the game, somewhat redeeming himself.

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