Bruins' Jim Montgomery discloses reason for starting goalie Jeremy Swayman over Linus Ullmark

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Apr 22, 2024 05:26 GMT

Boston Bruins HC Jim Montogomery shared insights into his decision to start Jeremy Swayman over Linus Ullmark between the sticks in Game 1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Montogomery reckoned that Swayman hadn't had the opportunity to start a series in the past couple of years and wanted to see how he would perform in that role. Jeremy Swayman's solid performance with 35 saves in the Bruins' 5-1 win over the Leafs validated the decision as he handled the starting role.

Here's what Bruins HC said on his decision to start Swayman over Ullmark (via mapleleafshotstove.com):

"We felt that Swayman hadn’t had the opportunity to start a series before in the last couple of years. We wanted to see him start a series and how he would handle it. He did really well."

Montgomery also said that he hadn't thought too far ahead when asked about his decisions regarding starting Jeremy Swayman in Game 2:

"To answer the second part of the question: I haven’t thought that far ahead."

Swayman's early great saves in the first period were crucial in helping the Bruins settle into the game from the start. Montgomery emphasized the significance of those saves in allowing the team to find their rhythm and play their game effectively:

"I thought his athleticism allowed him to make some really good bouncing puck, rebound kind of saves. He made a couple of point-blank saves early in the first. And then I thought we got to our game. It was really important he made those saves."

Jim Montgomery on the decision to start Jeremy Swayman in Game 2

Montgomery shared his thoughts on the decision to start Swayman in Game 2 and said that it would be difficult to move away from him after his stellar performance in Game 1.

Toronto Maple Leafs v Boston Bruins - Game One

Bruins HC emphasized that the goalie choice does not impact the team internally, as the players are supportive and prepared regardless of who starts the game next:

"It is going to be hard to go away from Sway. He played a terrific game, and we won 5-1. If we decide to go with Ullmark, we are comfortable with it. Our team is comfortable with it. It doesn’t affect us in the room, whoever starts the next game."

Jeremy Swayman showed why he should be the Bruins' No. 1 goalie. However, having a top-tier goalie like Linus Ullmark makes it challenging for Montgomery to pick between the two as the Bruins gear up to take on the Maple Leafs in Game 2 on Monday.