The Continued Excellence Of Linus Ullmark

Overall, there has been a lot to be happy about when it comes to the Boston Bruins. In addition, blessed would be an understatement. While being contenders for over a decade, the team has given the fan base and themselves a reason to be positive. There are so many positives to the Boston Bruins this season. The list of positives goes on and on and praise can be awarded all over the place. One player in particular that deserves every bit of praise is Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark.

Boston Bruins Goaltender Linus Ullmark Continuing Stellar Season

When Don Sweeney put pen to paper with Linus Ullmark, the reaction was not the greatest. Many at the time questioned the move especially since it was directly after long-time netminder Tuukka Rask retired. However, Ullmark proved himself and had himself a great season last year. Fast forward a year, and Ullmark has cemented himself as the clear-cut starter and has been having a Vezina-caliber season.

The Career Season

Throughout history this organization has had good goaltenders. And what a blessing to transition in recent history from Tim Thomas to Tuukka Rask to Linus Ullmark. Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark is having a great season. In addition to the team being great, he has become the backbone to the squad this year. Brad Marchand had high praise for the netminder after their game against Vancouver, “He’s been doing it all year for us,” Brad Marchand said when asked about how important Ullmark has been to the success of the team.

One thing he has done is resemble Tim Thomas and give off vibes of the former Conn Smythe Winner. For example; the month of December, Thomas had a 1.94 goals against average and a .942 save percentage. Ullmark posted a 1.72 goals against average and a .943 save percentage. The records were similar that month and the vibes were high.

That level of dominance never faded. Since the new year, Ullmark has a 10-3 record for the Bruins. In addition, he has only let in more than three goals once. He’s been on fire the month of February not allowing more than two goals and winning every start. In fact, he’s 5-0 in his last five and has a 1.58 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage.

How He Has Been Amongst His Peers

From January until this point, Ullmark has been exceptionally good in comparison to his peers. Here’s how he looks:

7th in save percentage (.938)

9th in goals against average (1.86)

15th in high danger save percentage (.875)

7th in goals saved above average (7.53)

Ullmark has been great overall. His hugging partner Jeremy Swayman has been as well and the Boston Bruins keep on rolling as they have the best record in the league.

The Warranted Praise

Aside from his high level of play, the accolades for him and piled on. When all is said and done, Ullmark is destined to to be a triple crown winner. He has a record of 30-4-1 and is the first goaltender to reach 30 wins. In addition, he has the best goals-against average (1.86), and save percentage (.938). The most staggering stat is he leads the league in goals saved above expected with 33.3. This means given the quality of chances he faces, he comes up large and makes the timely save.

The First Goalie Goal

Another accolade he can add to his legendary season is that he scored a goal. The Boston Bruins have been a team fora century and no goalie has scored a goal. However, Linus Ullmark has become the first goaltender in Bruins history to score. It was a beautiful moment as the bench cleared to hug him. The best goalie hug of the year even happened and it was special. Ullmark received praise from his coach as well. Head coach Jim Montgomery mentioned, “Really happy for him…he almost had one earlier in the year and at the Winter Classic..Swayman thought about it one game..it’s good to have talented goaltenders.” He even mentioned the mentality they have to finish games off and it was awesome to see Ullmark got to put the icing on the cake.

Even Ullmark was surprised. It was historic and it was glorious. Ullmark went on to say this about his historic moment, As far as exactly what happened, his teammates were the ones to let Ullmark know what he had done. “As soon as I shot, I see three guys jumping towards me, and I had no idea where it was”. Overall just a great moment for Ullmark and a moment he will never forget. He became the 16th goaltender to accomplish such a feat.

Wrapping Up

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark is one of many positives this season. It has been special to witness and it’s special for the players living it out. As it currently stands, the Boston Bruins have the best record 45-8-5 and 95 points. Up next they get to face the historic season of Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.