Nikita Zadorov laments missed Olympic chances as Russia remains banned; Jeremy Swayman’s hot form strengthens his bid for Team USA and boosts Bruins’ game-to-game betting appeal. Betting angle: back Swayman to start for the U.S. or favor Bruins moneyline/low-total props when he’s in net given his recent consistency.
Zadorov’s Olympic Dream and the Russian Ban
Nikita Zadorov grew up idolizing Soviet legends and dreaming of Olympic glory. Raised in Moscow and developed through the Red Army youth system, Zadorov carries deep patriotism and the belief that Olympic gold ranks with the Stanley Cup in the NHL. That dream has been complicated by the International Olympic Committee’s sanctions that bar Russia (and Belarus) from competing under their flag due to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Individual Russian athletes can compete only under neutral status, leaving many veterans without a clear path to represent their country.
Personal reflections and missed opportunities
Zadorov acknowledged the frustration of never having been an Olympic player despite 13 NHL seasons. Though he has spoken out against the invasion, he said the geopolitical situation is out of any player’s control. At age 30 he hopes for another chance but recognizes the sanctions’ impact on his international prospects.
Swayman Emerges as a Leading U.S. Net Option
Jeremy Swayman’s strong season has positioned him as a top contender for Team USA’s starting goalie role. After helping the U.S. to gold at the 2025 World Championship, Swayman has carried that momentum into the NHL, stabilizing the Bruins amid new systems and lineup challenges.
Coaching praise and statistical case
Bruins goalie coach praised Swayman’s focus and pro approach, noting his attention to details this season. Entering a recent weekend Swayman posted a 16-11-2 record with a 2.91 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. For comparison, Jake Oettinger sat at 16-8-4 with a 2.76/.900 split, while Connor Hellebuyck—despite a decorated résumé—was struggling as his team slid into a long losing stretch.
Goaltending Turmoil Across the League
The league continues to be defined by goalie storylines. Hellebuyck’s slide (multiple straight losses) has opened the door for others to stake claims. Rumors surrounding Linus Ullmark’s personal leave prompted a public statement from the Senators’ front office stressing support for the player and condemning online speculation. In St. Louis, a late-game exchange that appeared to confuse goalie substitutions drew attention to communication and bench management.
Management responses and team discipline
Clubs are having to balance transparency and privacy while managing optics. One front office explicitly asked fans and media to respect a player’s privacy after false stories spread online, emphasizing organizational support and rejecting toxic online behavior.
Farewell to the Saddledome and Hockey’s Lost Icons
Calgary’s Saddledome will host one more season before giving way to a modern arena, prompting nostalgia for the old barn’s character and unique vantage points. The hockey world also recently lost several important figures, including Glenn Hall, Bob Pulford, and David Branch, each leaving distinct legacies in goaltending, team leadership, and junior hockey administration.
Locker-Room Moments and Trade Talk
Zadorov reflected on the awkwardness of requesting a trade while remaining committed to teammates, noting the challenge of maintaining trust after such public developments. He laughed about a trade request reaching the public via his agent’s social post, but stressed the priority of competing for teammates every night.
Trivia and Legacy
Quiz: Glenn Hall is one of a handful to win the Conn Smythe Trophy on a losing Stanley Cup finalist team. The other winners are Roger Crozier (1966), Reggie Leach (1976), Ron Hextall (1987), Jean-Sebastien Giguere (2003), and Connor McDavid (2024).
Takeaway for Bettors
Swayman’s form makes him an attractive option for bettors eyeing Olympic rosters or game-level props. In NHL play, backing the Bruins in matchups where Swayman starts—or targeting low-goal totals and goalie-save props—can be sensible when his recent performance and focus are factored into odds.
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The last time the Russians competed under their own flag was in Sochi in 2014, when the Alex Ovechkin-led squad failed to medal at home.
The Boston Globe