Bruins Goalie situation: a good problem

By Alex Dunn

The Boston Bruins have had a record-breaking season this year putting them first in the league. Much of that is due to the men in the net though. Unlike many other teams, the Bruins have two goalies that are ranked top of the league and are dependable in the net. 

From October to December Linus Ullmark led the league and was the Bruins’ go-to man. Since January though, Jeremy Swayman has earned everyone’s respect and even passed Ullmark in most stats in these months. Thus leaving Boston with the best problem to have. Having to decide between two incredible goalies. 

NHL RANKS, OCT. 12 TO DEC. 31
Ullmark: First in save percentage, first in GAA
Swayman: 37th in save percentage, 19th in GAA

NHL RANKS, JAN. 1 TO MARCH 20
Swayman: First in save percentage, first in GAA
Ullmark: Third in save percentage, third in GAA

The Bruins have two of the four best goalies statistically in the NHL right now. When head coach Jim Montgomery was asked about what the team would be doing for the goalie situation in the playoffs he replied, “Yeah well we don’t think we need to stray from it right now. We’ll look at — I always talk to Goalie Bob [Essensa] and [GM Don Sweeney] about what we think we should be doing to get our goalies in the best position to be ready. We’ll continue to do that, but the rotation has been working really well. You don’t have to fix anything that’s not broken.”

Both goalies have impressive stats that have Boston fans feeling more and more confident for the postseason. With four shutouts on the season, Swayman is tied for having the third-most on the season. That’s despite ranking 38th in starts with just 27. Ullmark is still predicted to win the Vezina Trophy and is still ranked first overall in the league by many. 

Linus Ullmark, who is 9-1-0 in his past 10 starts, will bring his league-leading 34 wins, 1.97 GAA, and .935 save percentage back into the net on Tuesday.

Swayman has accentuated this stretch with four shutouts since mid-January, twice as many as any other NHL goalie in that span. His most recent shutout came Sunday when he turned aside 26 Buffalo shots to record his second shutout in as many starts.

With four shutouts on the season, Swayman is tied for having the third-most on the season. That’s despite ranking 38th in starts with just 27.

In 16 appearances (15 starts) since the new year, Swayman is 11-3-1 with an NHL-best .937 save percentage and 1.81 goals-against average. He also has a .941 even-strength save percentage, which is the best in the NHL and is one point better than … Linus Ullmark.

OCT. 12 TO DEC. 31
Ullmark: 20-1-1, .938 save %, 1.90 GAA, 2 shutouts
Swayman: 7-3-3, .897 save %, 2.68 GAA, 0 shutouts

JAN. 1 TO MARCH 20

Swayman: 11-3-1, .937 save %, 1.81 GAA, 4 shutouts,
Ullmark: 14-4-0, .932 save %, 2.06 GAA, 0 shutouts