If the Boston Bruins celebrate a resounding success in 2022-2023, it will be thanks in large part to the skills of goaltender Linus Ullmark, one of the big upsets in the National Hockey League (NHL) this season.
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The former Buffalo Sabers color bear had never achieved so much success before. Invited to Saturday’s All-Star game at the Sunrise, he equaled his personal best on Wednesday by celebrating his 26th win of the season. In the 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Swede made 33 saves to take his save percentage to .937. His 1.90 goals-against average and eloquent record (26-4-1) would guarantee him the Vézina Trophy when the regular season ends today.
His teammates also express their gratitude to him. Boston goes into the break with 83 points at the top of the standings, and an in-form goaltender is always a prerequisite for any team looking to succeed.
“In the first half of the game he was amazing. He kept us in the game and then we scored a couple of goals. However, he’s done so in virtually every game this year, forward Pavel Zacha told NHL.com. It’s great to count on him. Our two guards [Ullmark et Jeremy Swayman] are great so it helps us when we have a weak spell and give ourselves several chances to score. They give us hope of victory before we re-enact.
Still room for improvement
Granted, Ullmark dominates the NHL’s key statistical categories, as well as his own overall standings. However, head coach Jim Montgomery wants to get back to work with continued effort. The seven-point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes, second in the Eastern Conference, threatens to shrink if momentum slows significantly.
“I congratulated them on their first half of the season. It was fun, but we have to get better, I told them. I know they will improve because of the professionalism and work ethic in that dressing room,” he said.
The Bruins return to action when they face the Washington Capitals on February 11.