Should Boston Bruins start Jeremy Swayman or Linus Ullmark for Game 2 vs Maple Leafs?

By Ryan Gagne

Modified Apr 21, 2024 19:08 GMT

In 2022–23, the Boston Bruins compiled the best record in NHL history because of Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark and his batterymate Jeremy Swayman. The duo went 64-12-5 with a .929 save percentage and 2.08 goals against average.

Ullmark has played more and compiled the best numbers of any NHL starter. That's why head coach Jim Montgomery went to his All-Star for the first six games of the Bruins' first-round series against the Florida Panthers.

After blowing a 3-1 series lead, Boston opted to start a cold Swayman in Game 7, which they lost. The Panthers went on to the Stanley Cup final.

Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins

Montgomery kept a strict rotation between the two netminders this season, only watching it get broken up when Ullmark got hurt in Arizona. Swayman then started four straight games, the only occurrence of the campaign.

During the regular season, Swayman lined up against the Toronto Maple Leafs on three occasions, earning a 3-0-0 record with a 1.98 GAA and .959 SV%. Meanwhile, Ullmark won his only start, making 37 saves and surrendering three goals.

Ahead of their playoff series, Montgomery indicated that the rotation would continue into the Toronto series. Still, many hockey experts wondered why, as it's never happened in Stanley Cup playoff history.

Who do the Bruins start in Game 2—Swayman or Ullmark?

The Bruins dominated the Maple Leafs in Game 1, scoring five goals and only giving up one in the third period. The series was lopsided through the first 60 minutes, and goaltending was one of the top reasons.

Swayman earned the nod based on his performance against Toronto in the regular season. He was unflappable in Game 1, stopping 35 shots, most in high-danger areas, including a boatload within the blue paint.

Auston Matthews, the NHL's leading goal scorer, had five shots, and Maple Leafs captain John Tavares had a game-high six.

Whether playing at even strength or on the man advantage, Toronto tried to beat Swayman. However, he was up to the task and made many key saves, keeping the game close in the first period.

Despite the heroics of Jake DeBrusk (two goals) and Charlie McAvoy (two helpers), Swayman was the game's first star.

So, if Montgomery is sticking to his word, does Ullmark start Game 2 on Monday night in place of the Game 1 MVP?

It would be a shocking move, to say the least since Swayman has dominated the Maple Leafs all season long. His performances must be in the heads of players who wonder what it takes to get past him.

During the Sportsnet broadcast, Craig Simpson and Chris Cuthbert discussed the topic. They said the only way you switch goalies and implement a rotation is if one of them loses.

Swayman won Game 1 and should be the starter until he has a bad game. Given Boston has an unfair advantage in net over almost every team in the Stanley Cup playoffs, there's no need to mess with a good thing. It's not broken.