Boston has been switching goalies throughout the season, but Jeremy Swayman stood out in a Game 1 victory against Toronto. Much like in Game 1, Boston Bruins Coach Jim Montgomery is keeping his goalie strategy under wraps. Montgomery mentioned on Sunday that he’s still deliberating on who will start in Game 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday evening.
In Game 1, Montgomery entrusted Jeremy Swayman with his debut start, and Swayman delivered a remarkable performance, stopping 35 shots in Boston’s 5-1 win. Swayman’s effectiveness against the Maple Leafs extends back to last season, where he secured five victories against them. His record improved to 4-0-0 with a 9.62 save percentage against Toronto this season following Saturday’s triumph.
Despite the strong duo of Swayman and Linus Ullmark in goal, neither has played consecutive games since February. After the Game 1 victory, Montgomery acknowledged the challenge of not starting Swayman in the upcoming game but expressed confidence in Ullmark if the decision leans that way.
Ullmark’s season stats include a 22-10-7 record, a 2.58 goals-against average, and a .915 save percentage. Toronto struggled to beat Swayman on Saturday, managing only one goal from their fourth line.
Moving to player performance, Jake DeBrusk, who finished last season with 27 goals and 23 assists, entered the 2023-24 season with high expectations but fell short of replicating his offensive output. Despite his disappointment, DeBrusk showcased heightened intensity in Saturday night’s game, contributing two power-play goals and an assist in the Bruins’ Game 1 victory over Toronto. Reflecting on his performance, DeBrusk expressed excitement and highlighted the morale boost that playoff goals provide, emphasizing the significance of contributing to the team’s success during the postseason.