Jeremy Swayman watched the Team USA crease lean toward Connor Hellebuyck again, and the Olympic pecking order is getting real.

Monday’s second Team USA practice in Milan was open to the media, and the reps told a story before any coach did. Hellebuyck took the bulk of the starter-style work, especially in the net tied to the likely “Game 1” group.

Jake Oettinger and Swayman shared the other end, rotating like two guys preparing for relief duty.

Hellebuyck has remained in one net entire time, Oettinger and Swayman rotating as of now

No one in USA Hockey officially announced a starter, but the “hint” was loud enough to hear through the boards. This is basically a repeat of the Four Nations pattern, where Hellebuyck got the nod when the tournament lights came on.

Hellebuyck’s NHL season numbers aren’t cartoonishly dominant, 2.79 GAA and a .900 save percentage in 36 games.

Oettinger has been in the same statistical neighborhood, 2.73 GAA and .897 in 37 games, which keeps the competition honest.

Swayman sits at 2.89 GAA and a .903 save percentage over 38 games, and that’s why Bruins fans keep dreaming on a takeover.

Jeremy Swayman has to take advantage of an opportunity

Hellebuyck has already been “the guy” for this staff in best-on-best spots, and that matters when you’ve got one bad game to fix fast.

For Swayman, the role is still huge, because one tweak, one rough start, or one back-to-back swing can flip the net.

There is no chance that Swayman doesn't get an opportunity throughout the tournament.

But whenever he does get a chance, he is going to have to be solid if he wants to take over the starter role for Team USA.

Swayman has been good enough this year to earn that right, but he's going to have to show the coaching staff as well.