Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery has made a change in goal for Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Linus Ullmark, who led the Bruins to a 22-10-7 record and a 2.58 goals-against average during the regular season, will start in net on Monday night at TD Garden. Ullmark will replace Jeremy Swayman, who made 35 saves in a 5-2 win in Game 1 on Saturday.
Montgomery said it was a difficult decision to go away from Swayman after his strong performance in Game 1, but he believes Ullmark gives the Bruins the best chance to win Game 2.
“Jeremy played great in Game 1,” Montgomery said. “But Linus has been our best goalie all season long. He’s a proven winner, and I have a lot of confidence in him.”
Ullmark won his only start against the Maple Leafs during the regular season, a 4-2 victory on March 25.
The Maple Leafs will be without William Nylander for the second straight game. Nylander, who had 40 goals and 58 assists during the regular season, is a key piece of Toronto’s power play.
Ilya Samsonov will start in goal for the Maple Leafs. Samsonov has a 13-6-2 record and a 2.38 goals-against average during the regular season.
Game 2 is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Monday night at TD Garden. The Bruins will be looking to take a 2-0 lead in the series, while the Maple Leafs will be looking to even the series at 1-1.
