Linus Ullmark Selected to Atlantic Division All Star Team

One of the most significant pieces of the success of the Boston Bruins this season is getting more prominent recognition. On Thursday night, it was announced that goalie Linus Ullmark was selected to the 2023 NHL All-Star Team as part of the Atlantic Division squad.

Ullmark reflected on the news, saying this to Matt Porter of the Boston Globe:

It’s kind of surreal. I remember watching it when I was young, as well. It was one of the few things we actually taped when I was younger, to watch Peter Forsberg, Nick Lidstrom, Joe Sakic, those guys when they played in the All-Star Game. It was always fun watching it. It’s a little surreal to be here now.”

In year two of a four-year, $20 million deal signed with the Bruins, Ullmark is enjoying a torrid Sophomore season in Boston with Jim Montgomery at the helm. Bruce Cassidy had Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman in a 50-50 timeshare, and while it’s shifted more that way as of late, Ullmark has been the clear-cut starter all season, especially when Swayman was injured for a few weeks. Providence callup Keith Kinkaid only made one start with Swayman on the shelf.

Ullmark has two shutouts this season, but his brilliance goes far beyond that. His 21-1-1 record, .939 save percentage, and 1.86 GAA are tops among all goalies and easily the best numbers of his career. His two shutouts also tie a career-high from the 2018-2019 season.

It’s the first time Ullmark has been an All-Star, as he had more head coaches and general managers in Buffalo than playoff appearances. The Sabers initially chose him in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Draft, playing in 117 games before signing with Boston.

Ullmark wasn’t the only one who had thoughts on making the All-Star Team. Charlie Coyle, third-line center, commented on Ullmark and what he’s done this season.

“It’s a no-brainer. He’s given us more than a great chance every night.”

The selection came from the NHL Hockey Operations Department, which revealed the first 32 players to head to Florida for the All-Star Game festivities, with one player from each team selected. The aforementioned Montgomery will also be the coach of the Atlantic Division squad, as Porter pointed out in his article.

Fans get to vote for the rest of the rosters on NHL.com and Twitter, giving David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron, and Hampus Lindholm, among others, a chance to join Ullmark and Montgomery in Florida in early February.