Great Injury News For Bruins
Some Bruins fans couldn’t help but feel a little anxious when Linus Ullmark didn’t accompany the team to Montreal for the regular season’s final game.
After awkwardly crashing into the post during Boston’s final home game of the regular season, the goalie was taken out of the game early by head coach Jim Montgomery out of caution. Ullmark did not participate in any season-ending practices, but on Saturday morning at Warrior Ice Arena, he was back on the ice.
Montgomery told reporters after practice: “We don’t have any issues with him. He was out there in practice,” “I thought he performed well. I’ll let Goalie Bob (Essensa) make a decision and let you know on Monday.”
The Pairing of Ullmark + Swayman
Coach Montgomery said back on March 23, Ullmark would most likely start Game 1. However, he left open the possibility of pairing Ullmark with Jeremy Swayman for the postseason and forming a sort of goalie platoon. Bob Essena, whom Montgomery has praised continuously throughout the season, has the complete confidence of the head coach and will make that decision.
The Bruins have a ton of depth at the goalie position, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them use both. Nor would I mind it. Keep them fresh for what is hopefully a long playoff run into June.
Bruins/Panthers R1 Schedule
The first-round matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers gets underway Monday night at TD Garden with a puck drop at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Game 1 (at BOS): April 17, 7:30 ET (ESPN)
Game 2 (at BOS): April 19, 7:30 ET (ESPN)
Game 3 (at FLA): April 21, 7:30 ET (TNT)
Game 4 (at FLA): April 23, 3:30 ET (TNT)
Game 5 (at BOS): April 26, TBD
Game 6 (at FLA): April 28, TBD
Game 7 (at BOS): April 30, TBD