The Boston Bruins have made a decisive goalie choice ahead of a crucial Game 4 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 27th.
Previously alternating between Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark in the series’ first three games, the Bruins have opted to start Swayman for Game 4 after Ullmark’s loss in Game 2 and Swayman’s 2-0 record. The initial playoff strategy was to continue rotating goalies, but head coach Jim Montgomery admitted the decision became more challenging after Game 3.
Montgomery stated, “We’re going to have more rest… But both goalies, the rotation’s been so good for us. So it’s a hard decision.”
In the aftermath of Boston’s Game 2 defeat, where Ullmark was in goal, Montgomery refrained from blaming the goalie, emphasizing Ullmark’s strong performance and the team’s collective effort. In the playoffs, Swayman boasts a 2-0 record with a 1.51 GAA and a .955 SV%, whereas Ullmark sits at 0-1 with a 3.08 GAA and a .912 SV%.
Jeremy Swayman Aspires to Begin Each Match.
Swayman has been adamant about his desire to start every game, even during the playoffs.
Following the Bruins’ victory over the Maple Leafs in Game 3, Swayman expressed his wish to start Game 4, despite the initial plan for a rotation.
“On April 25, Swayman stated, ‘I think for me, personally, I don’t want rest. I just want to keep playing. I think no matter when I get the call, whether it’s back-to-back or every other game, I want to make sure my body’s ready and I’m ready to perform at my best,'” Swayman asserted.
He emphasized his commitment to aiding Boston’s success, regardless of whether he plays in the upcoming game or not.
“Any time I get a chance to play, I’m gonna do whatever I can to help this team win. Whether it’s back-to-back or every other game, I’m just really grateful every time I do get a chance, and that’s all I worry about,” Swayman added.
The last instance of Swayman playing consecutive games occurred on February 19th and 21st.
Bruins Aim to Seize Series Momentum.
Boston has the opportunity to assert dominance in their playoff series against Toronto in Game 4 on April 27.
With the Bruins currently leading the series 2-1, a victory in Game 4 would propel them to a commanding 3-1 series lead, requiring just one more win to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Brad Marchand emphasized the significance of Game 4, stating, “Going up 3-1 or coming back home 2-2, that’s a drastic change in the series. The desperation for both teams should be extremely high, which normally makes it an intense game. If we expect to win that, we’re going to have to have by far our best game of the series.”
Marchand also acknowledged the heightened competition from the Maple Leafs, recognizing their physicality and improved performance, stating, “They’re extremely tough to play out there. It’s not fun game by any means.”
Game 4 is scheduled to occur at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena at 8 p.m. Eastern time on April 27th.