One of the strengths of the Boston Bruins, both at the NHL level and in the minors, has been goaltending depth. It seems as if the Bruins have gotten really good play from their goalies across their system, particularly in recent years.
That strength took a bit of a step back last year. It started when Linus Ullmark, who was an all-star, Vezina Trophy winner, and Jennings Trophy winner with the Bruins, was traded. Joonas Korpisalo continued his struggles in a backup role, and Jeremy Swayman had a rough season in his first year as the clear starter, allowing the most goals in the league in his 58 starts.
However, down in Providence, the Providence Bruins had one of the AHL’s best goalie tandems last season. Finishing third in the AHL Atlantic Division with a 41-23-5-3 record and advancing to the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs, the tandem of Michael DiPietro and Brandon Bussi shined all season long for Providence.
While Bussi left in free agency for a contract with the Florida Panthers, DiPietro was re-signed by the Bruins. DiPietro has a very realistic chance to be the backup to Swayman in the NHL, but he also has an equally strong chance of spending the majority of the year in the AHL once again, though a lot of that is likely to be heavily dependent on how Korpisalo performs. If DiPietro is with the P-Bruins in the upcoming season, he is going to be key to their success.
DiPietro was third in the AHL last season among qualified goalies in GAA, sporting a 2.05 mark in 40 games. His four shutouts put him in the top 10 in the league, and his .927 save percentage was second-best in the league, behind only Matt Murray of the Milwaukee Admirals. His 26 wins are also second in the league behind Murray.
His performance during the regular season led to him being the starter for Providence in the Calder Cup playoffs. In seven starts, he had a 3-3 record with one shutout, posting a 1.85 GAA and .928 save percentage, allowing 11 goals. He departed early in his seventh start, game four of the second round against Charlotte, due to injury, leading to Bussi playing the final two games of the P-Bruins season.
If Providence wishes to replicate the success of last year, especially with the inevitability of constant player movement between the AHL and NHL, DiPietro will have one of the biggest roles in whatever success the team has in 2025-26.
Season 4. Episode 42. New and Improved Sway. – Bruins Benders Podcast
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