Jeremy Swayman starts Game 4 as Bruins break from goalie rotation vs. Toronto
The Bruins alternated goalies for the previous 28 games before sticking with Swayman on Saturday.
It’s Jeremy Swayman’s net for Game 4 against the Maple Leafs.
After alternating their goalies for the previous 28 games, Jim Montgomery and the Bruins are deviating from their usual rotation on Saturday night — with Swayman making back-to-back starts against Toronto.
“We’re gonna have more rest, but both goalies, like, the rotation has been so good for us,” Montgomery said on Thursday of which goalie he was going to roll with. “So it’s a hard decision.”
While Linus Ullmark (31 saves on 34 shots) was not the primary reason why the Bruins dropped Game 2 to Toronto on Monday night, it’s tough to ignore just how dominant Swayman has been this season against a high-powered Maple Leafs offense.
Following Boston’s Game 3 win on Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena, Swayman is now 5-0-0 against the Maple Leafs this season with a .957 save percentage.
According to MoneyPuck, Swayman has already saved 7.8 goals above expected in two games against Toronto — a byproduct of the several netfront opportunities and slot shots that he’s turned aside in Games 1 and 3.
The Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin ranks second among all playoff goalies in goals saved expected at 3.5 over three appearances.
“Anytime I get a chance to play I’m going to do whatever I can to help this team win,” Swayman said Wednesday after Boston’s Game 3 win. “Whether it’s back-to-back or every other game, I’m just really grateful for every time I do get a chance and that’s all I’m worried about.”
The Bruins will once again need Swayman to be at his best on Saturday against a Toronto team looking to avoid going down 3-1 in this best-of-seven series. The Leafs should receive a major lift up front, as forward William Nylander is expected to play after missing the first three games of the series due to injury.
The last time Swayman had two off days between consecutive starts, he followed up a 31-save shutout performance against New Jersey on Jan. 15 with a 30-save game in a 5-2 win over the Avalanche on Jan. 18.
“I don’t want rest,” Swayman said after Game 3. “I just want to keep playing. No matter when I get the call, whether it’s back-to-back or every other game, I want to make sure my body is ready and I’m ready to perform at my best.”
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