The Boston Bruins maintained their goalie rotation on Monday night against Toronto, with Linus Ullmark starting Game 2 of the first-round series at TD Garden.
Montgomery’s decision to start Ullmark over Jeremy Swayman aligns with Boston’s season-long plan of alternating goalies. This marks the 27th consecutive game where the Bruins have switched between Ullmark and Swayman.
Despite Ullmark’s start, the Bruins failed to secure a commanding 2-0 series lead, highlighting the significance of winning and losing over individual statistics at this stage of the season. However, Montgomery expressed confidence in Ullmark’s performance.
“No second guesses,” Montgomery said. “He was terrific. He made multiple big-time saves and it’s a strength of our team. Both of them played really well. We only scored two goals.”
Although Ullmark allowed three goals on 33 shots, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner was not the primary reason for Boston’s defeat. The team struggled with a lack of urgency, particularly in defense and generating quality scoring opportunities against Toronto’s Ilya Samsonov (27 saves).
During 5-on-5 play, the Maple Leafs dominated with a 27-12 edge in scoring chances, including a 10-7 advantage in high-danger chances. Auston Matthews’ goal gave Toronto the lead for good with just over seven minutes remaining in the third period.
Ullmark acknowledged areas for improvement in his performance.
“There’s some good and bad things,” Ullmark said. “Obviously there’s some things that I gotta clean up as well.”
Ullmark’s starting role remains uncertain, with Swayman’s strong performance in Game 1 potentially influencing Montgomery’s decision for Game 3. However, for now, the Bruins are focused on the present and preparing for the upcoming game in Toronto.
“There are some things to clean up, definitely. But it’s a long series,” Ullmark said. “Now it’s all about recharging.”
