Boston Bruins goaltenders are trending in the opposite direction as of late
This season, the Boston Bruins have a solid goaltending tandem between Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark. The club is 6th in goals-against average, and 11th in save percentage in the NHL. (Note: Tuukka Rask appeared in 4 games)
Combined Stats:
GAA: 2.45
SV%: 914
Record: 42-19-5
The Bruins have excellent team defence this season. As proven by advanced stats, they currently sit first in the NHL at even strength expected goals-against per 60 minutes:
Although, their goaltenders haven't been quite as good as the team defence has been:
I believe the Bruins are comfortable with either guy between the pipes, which they should be, as analytics don't show precisely how they've played.
However, Ullmark and Swayman have been trending in opposite directions heading into the playoffs.
In the past 10 games, Jeremy Swayman has a record of 7-3-0 with a GAA of 3.10 and a SV% of .891. Compared to Ullmark, who has been playing quite well with a GAA of 2.25, a SV% of .913, and a record of 6-2-1 in his past 10 games.
The good news is that Boston is winning games with either guy in net.
The consensus is that Swayman is Bruce Cassidy's go-to man and could likely be the starter come playoff time. At the same time, the Bruins have a "good problem" with two goalies who can win games, and the club should have the confidence to start either, come playoffs.
Friday night's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning will be the perfect test for whoever Cassidy chooses to start between the pipes.
Coming off a three-day break and facing a team they're currently tied with at 93 points for third place in the Atlantic Division.
