Which Bruins’ Goaltender Gets The Net for Game 6?

Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman hugging after a Bruins win.
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Goaltending can carry National Hockey League teams to win Stanley Cups, but it can also cause good teams to lose to inferior teams. The Boston Bruins had the best goaltending tandem in all of hockey all season long, and there was no question that entering the series against the Florida Panthers, goaltending was a huge advantage for the best team in hockey.

Linus Ullmark has led the way with the most wins for a goaltender (40), the best goals-against average (1.89), and the top save percentage (9.38) in the league during the regular season. But the playoffs can be a different animal, and Ullmark has battled a nagging injury and an illness to play all five playoff games and has lost two home games in the process.

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Ullmark has a 3-2 record and 2.79 goals against average, almost one goal more than the regular season. The 6-foot-5 netminder has seen his save percentage drop to .913 and allowed five goals in Game 2 and four in Game 5, both losses. Ullmark’s giveaway in overtime set up the game-winning goal by Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk to send the series back to Sunrise for Game 6. Questions about Ullmark’s health have arisen throughout the series as well. There are times when the Vezina Trophy favorite will take a little longer to get to his skates, and other times when he will skate around during stoppages to stay loose.

But Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery has stuck with Ullmark and kept the backup Jeremy Swayman on the bench. Well, maybe until now, that is. When speaking to the media, Montgomery did not have an issue with Ullmark’s performance but did not rule out making a change in the net. Should that change be made? Swayman was arguably the league’s best backup and contributed to the tandem winning the Jennings Trophy. The former UMaine star was 24-6-4 on the season with a 2.27 GAA and .920 save percentage. Swayman actually replaced Ullmark in last year’s first round after Ullmark struggled.

But even though Ullmark would love to forget his turnover in Game 5, the right move is to stay with the goaltender for Game 6. Simply stated, he’s been the best goaltender in the league, which was echoed by captain Patrice Bergeron after the game. Ullmark has earned the right to determine the outcome of this series and carry the Bruins to the second round with a Game 6 win.

Season 3. Episode 22. Montgomery Burns Bruins Benders Podcast

Bruins show some fight against Florida. Charlie McAvoy is most valuable. Wotherspoon and Peeke form a solid pair. Monty goes crazy. Check your Hyman at the door. Plus, much more!For more from us, visit Inside The RinkHow to support us and our sponsors:Columbia Sports ApparelESPN+ SubscriptionFanaticsDraft Kings – CODE ITR    DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook is LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code ITR! You can now bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use now that mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts. That’s code ITR only at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 800 327-5050 or visit helplineMA.org to speak with a trained specialist, free and confidentially, twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued aree bets. Terms at draftkings.com/MA.
  1. Season 3. Episode 22. Montgomery Burns
  2. Season 3. Episode 21. Brazen Brazeau
  3. Season 3. Episode 20. Mail it in March
  4. Season 3. Episode 19. Deadline Day
  5. Season 3. Episode 18. OT Again?

2 thoughts on “Which Bruins’ Goaltender Gets The Net for Game 6?

  1. You’ve played Ullmark the 5 games of the playoffs, I’m concerned that 3or Florida’s main pests have made him lose his cool. His GAA has skied by a goal a game.
    Let’s start Swayman for game 6 and get this over with and not have Ullmark upset another game, he plays tonight, the Florida’s fans, players etc. will be all over him.
    Swayman won’t be bugged.

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