The Providence Bruins have started the season strong and a big reason for this is their two goaltenders. The organization has had a string of spectacular goaltending, from Tim Thomas to Jeremy Swayman, and it appears the Bruins’ pipeline is as strong as ever, with Simon Zajicek and Michael DiPietro putting up excellent numbers at the quarter point.
DiPietro on fire
DiPietro has continued his dominance in the American Hockey League (AHL) thus far. This is his third full season in Providence, and he continues to improve. He has posted save percentages higher than .900 in every campaign, with an astonishing AHL-best .942 in ten starts this season. He only allows 1.80 goals per game. For reference, the team’s 55 goals scored so far this season ranks mid-table in the league; The positive play of DiPietro and Zajicek has been a big reason the P-Bruins are at the top of the standings.
DiPietro has been dominant in the AHL for a while and has likely earned a shot at the big league roster. This is a dire situation for the Bruins, with Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo taking their two goal spots. Both players are signed long after DiPietro’s contract expires at the end of next season, so if the Bruins decide not to trade Korpisalo, DiPietro will likely walk to a team that gives him a chance at playing time in the NHL.
Zajicek Hot too
This is Zajicek’s first season in the United States. For the past six seasons he played in his native Czech Republic for Litvinov HC. The sample size is a lot smaller than DiPietro’s; however, he seemed more than comfortable playing in the AHL. Zajicek is on a one-year contract, which he earned after a dominant 29-game season for Litvinov.
In 2025-26, Zajicek has posted a .942 save percentage, which ties DiPietro for the best in the league, and his 1.70 goals-against average also leads the AHL. The Bruins’ 32 goals allowed are tied for the fewest in the league, and Zajicek’s solid play has been a big reason for that. It’s too early to say he’s earned a shot in the NHL, and unless DiPietro’s play falls through, Zajicek will likely remain the number two in Providence, but Bruins fans should keep an eye on both goaltenders.
Bruins’ solid goaltending depth
The Bruins organization has solid depth in net. Korpisalo hasn’t been particularly impressive during his tenure with the Bruins, and the black and gold players have done the same struggled to win games with him in net this season. He allows an unimpressive 3.43 goals per game, which isn’t good enough for a team that lacks attacking firepower.
Related: Bruins special teams and secondary scoring are key areas for improvement this season
There is a possibility that the Bruins would act Korpisalo before the deadline or next offseason. If they do, they could give DiPietro or Zajicek a shot at the NHL roster. Both netminders in Providence have dominated the AHL and would be a cheaper alternative to Korpisalo. Expect DiPietro to continue to shine this season as he has in the past, and if Zajicek’s excellent play continues, there will be some buzz around his name as well.
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