Boston Bruins forced to make tough goaltending decision after big game 1 loss
The Boston Bruins lost 5-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes in a game they appeared to be in complete control of for the most part. Unfortunately the Bruins couldn't get a save from Linus Ullmark. Many felt that Bruce Cassidy may turn to rookie, Jeremey Swayman, but it appears that isn't the case. Apparently Bruce Cassidy is showing a lot of faith in Linus Ullmark.
Linus Ullmark will start Game 2, per Cassidy
After giving up four goals to the Carolina Hurricanes Monday night, Ullmark was pulled at the end of the 3rd period which led to Andrei Svechnikov's empty-net goal to win the first game of the series.
After giving up four goals to the Carolina Hurricanes Monday night, Ullmark was pulled at the end of the 3rd period which led to Andrei Svechnikov's empty-net goal to win the first game of the series.
Linus is going back in. He had a great run here coming into the playoffs, so we're not going to judge him on one game, (his) first playoff game. There's a bunch of different things that go into that, but at the end of the day he's going back in, and hopefully he's the better goaltender. That's how it works this time of year, right? That's part of the game and he'll get his chance.
Ullmark made 20 of 24 saves that night, in his first playoff showing and it sounds like, despite the rough loss, Cassidy is putting Ullmark back in net to weather the next storm in game 2.
Ullmark earned the starting role, with an impressive winning streak of 9-1-0 in his last twelve matchups.
The blame is to be shared equally with the defensive corps, who fumbled their responsibility, protecting Ullmark. Carlo and Greyzelck ended up with an -5 total for the night as a pair.
Ullmark started in 39 games this season, posting a 26-10-2 record to go along with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. Ullmark, who battled a late-season injury, made three appearances over the final week of the regular season and showed well in those outings, including recording a 37-save shutout — the first of his Bruins career — in his last start against the Buffalo Sabres.
Ullmark's regular-season record will be tested, and given their 0-4 record against the Carolina Hurricanes in the regular season, this series is about to heat up. Take warning.
| POLL | ||
MAI 4 | 188 ANSWERS Boston Bruins forced to make tough goaltending decision after big game 1 loss Who would you start? | ||
| Linus Ullmark | 100 | 53.2 % |
| Jeremy Swayman | 88 | 46.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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