Several members of the sports world weren’t thrilled with Jeremy Swayman’s performance in Saturday’s U.S.-Denmark men’s hockey matchup at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Late in the first period, Swayman gave up a goal from 95 feet out that could get talked about for years to come. Nicholas B. Jensen sent a seemingly harmless shot toward Swayman from just past the center red line. Swayman moved his glove, and the puck went in over his right shoulder.
“It was just the perfect height right between the stands and board level, and I truly lost it,” Swayman said after the U.S. came back to win 6-3. “Definitely one I went back, but at the same time, especially at this level, you’ve got to stay even-keeled. It’s one shot at a time and no matter how they go in, you’ve got to step up and stop the next one.”
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Coach Mike Sullivan said he never considered pulling Swayman, who allowed two goals on seven shots in the first period. Sullivan insisted Connor Hellebuyck, who figures to start Sunday night against Germany, dressing as the backup did not factor into his thinking.
The gaffe led to multiple calls for Stars goalie Jake Oettinger online. Oettinger hasn’t dressed out for the United States’ first two Winter Olympic matchups. Hellebuyck started for the U.S. against Latvia on Thursday, while Swayman was in goal Saturday.
Here’s a look at the social media reaction revolving around Swayman and Oettinger:
So, I think you dress Jake Oettinger next game…
— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) February 14, 2026
Jeremy Swayman over Jake Oettinger might be one of the dumbest decisions Mike Sullivan’s ever made.
— Chris Halicke (@ChrisHalicke) February 14, 2026
I don’t think I am being biased here.
Jake Oettinger better start against Germany.
— Sam Nestler (@samnestler) February 14, 2026
Hellebuyck has to play tomorrow as your #1 netminder can’t have too many days off.
Jake Oettinger needs to dress out and play a little to stay sharp.
If not, it’s a big mistake.
Weird things happen in short tournaments (see Finland 2014) you need to have options that are ready
— Bruce LeVine (@BruceLeVinePuck) February 14, 2026
That “WHAT A SAVE BY OETTINGER” call is gonna hit so hard tomorrow
— StarsCountdown (@StarsCountdown) February 14, 2026
It is absolute malpractice on the part of the US coaching staff to dress Hellebuyck as the backup for this game knowing full well that he’s being saved for tomorrow. Dressing Oettinger at least gives you the option to make a change and Swayman clearly doesn’t have it. #Olympics
— Kevin Durso (@Kevin_Durso) February 14, 2026
Team USA captain Auston Matthews voiced his support for Jeremy Swayman, who had a tough few moments against Denmark:
“He knows we have his back,” Matthews said. “Those are tough plays sometimes and they happen. We got his back all the time no matter what so good on the guys to…
— Larry Henry Jr (@lhenry019) February 14, 2026
Mike Sullivan had a one word answer when I asked if he considered pulling Jeremy Swayman: “No.”
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) February 14, 2026
If I’m Jake Oettinger I tell the US brass “I’m cool not risking injury while getting a two week vacation in Milan. You made your bed.” And then walk away while wearing a Jason Robertson jersey.
— Brandon Velaski (@bvelaski) February 14, 2026
No idea if Mike Sullivan is thinking about yanking Swayman after nervous start – USA as a whole looks disjointed – but there is a layer that wouldn’t exist if Jake Oettinger was backing up tonight. No schedule repercussions. Hellebuyck rests, good for Sunday vs. Germany.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 14, 2026
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