The 2024-25 season hasn’t given Boston Bruins fans much to cheer about. But on Sunday, Jeremy Swayman tried to provide a much-needed spark for his team—only for the referees to shut down a goalie fight that everyone wanted to see. After the officials’ decision, fans were all saying the same thing.
With ten games left in the regular season, Boston’s playoff hopes are slipping away by the day. The Bruins even traded captain Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers, sending a clear message that they’re preparing to drop in the standings. Still, Swayman plays with plenty of passion, and on Sunday, he tried to fire up his team by squaring off for a rare goalie fight against LA Kings netminder Darcy Kuemper.
Tensions boiled over in the second period when Bruins forward Marat Khusnutdinov collided with Kuemper in the crease. Although Khusnutdinov was called for goalie interference, Kuemper took offense and yanked his opponent’s helmet off with his glove. That’s when Swayman reacted.
Refs stopped Jeremy Swayman’s goalie fight
Not about to let an opposing goalie go after one of his teammates, Swayman skated to center ice, ready to fight. Kuemper seemed willing to drop the gloves as well, but just as both goalies were about to go at it, the referees stepped in, tying them up and preventing the fight.
Both were assessed penalties for leaving their creases, but on social media, fans were furious that officials had robbed them of a long-awaited goalie showdown.
“These referees should be suspended and fined,” one fan wrote.
“Refs ruining something everyone wants to see—thanks, guys,” another added.
“One of these times, goalies are just gonna have to bypass the officials and go at it,” a third suggested.
“Throw the refs in jail,” a fourth joked.
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