The Boston Bruins threw conventional playoff goaltending wisdom out the window to begin their first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With Jeremy Swayman’s impressive track record against Toronto, the Bruins turned to their 2017 fourth-round selection to begin a series for the first time in his career. Amid a heavy workload, the fourth-year netminder picked up where he left off, stopping all but one of the Leafs’ 36 shots on net in Boston’s 5-1 victory.
The Bruins didn’t provide Ullmark with as much offensive support during his 31-save outing in Game 2. The 2023 Vezina winner kept his team afloat against Toronto’s potent offense but fell short after Auston Matthews completed his three-point night on a third-period breakaway to secure the Leafs’ 3-2 victory.
By the end of Game 3, Swayman inserted enough doubt into the Leafs. Between Swayman’s timely saves and second-period exchange with Max Domi and Brad Marchand entering takeover mode in the final 20, the Bruins regained the series lead.
In Game 4, the Bruins halted their rotation. Swayman improved to 6-0 against the Leafs this season as the B’s earned a 3-1 win in their most well-rounded performance of the series.
Come Tuesday, the Bruins should continue riding Swayman’s hot hand as they enter another series-clinching scenario. But as Ullmark potentially enters the third straight game in a backup role, the former Buffalo Sabre isn’t planning on becoming a distraction.
“There’s a reason I’m here today, and it’s not to be a sulky little crybaby about not playing or anything like that,” Ullmark said following Monday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena. “I try to stay professional. I’m supporting the guys throughout the period here. [I] go out there in practice and be better and try to push people in a way that I can, obviously, and try to bring that energy and try to do whatever I can when I’m off to the side as much as I try to do when I’m in the net.”
Ullmark reiterated his support for Swayman and his teammates during his first public comments since Game 2. But even he admits that his role as Swayman’s backup — for now — isn’t the easiest situation to handle.
“Right now, I’m talking to you guys,” Ullmark added. “Sometimes, it’s a little bit harder than other days. But today is a good day.”
Why wouldn’t it be?
The Bruins hold another 3-1 series lead, hoping to learn from last year’s debacle against the Florida Panthers. Ullmark’s brotherly bond with Swayman continues to resonate to the point that the reenactments of their trademark postgame victory hugs, including one involving their significant others, became viral. Ullmark continues to earn his respect both with his competitiveness on the ice and his positive demeanor away from the rink during his three seasons in Boston.
Still, Ullmark isn’t letting his guard down.
After all, Jim Montgomery and the coaching staff waited too long to insert Swayman into action after Ullmark withered through pain and fatigue in the latter half of the Florida series. Despite the Game 2 hiccup, they’ve handled this year’s scenario appropriately, allowing both goaltenders to establish their footing early before adjusting their plans accordingly.
Ideally, the Bruins would rather face questions surrounding their goaltending plans ahead of a potential second-round matchup with the Panthers. In the meantime, Ullmark will remain prepared both physically and mentally, approaching each day as if he’ll hear his name called at a moment’s notice.
“I can’t take days off. You never know what happens,” Ullmark said. “You always hope for the best and expect the worst. That’s the thing. You always have to be vigilant and stay positive throughout the series as well. For me, it’s staying in the moment and not thinking about what’s going to happen.”
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