PLYMOUTH– The Boston Bruins have enjoyed a luxury over the last two decades that many teams can barely achieve from one season to another. Regardless of who it’s been between the pipes, Boston always seems to have consistently reliable goaltending, churning out one elite-level netminder after another like a factory. However, after trading former Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators earlier this summer, the Bruins, for once, have a bit of uncertainty at the goalie position entering the upcoming year, especially while Ullmark’s likely successor, Jeremy Swayman , is still without a contract.
But even when–or if–Swayman does sign what is expected to be a lucrative contract with the Bruins, he then has to live up to it. Although Swayman has some of the best odds to add Vezina to his trophy case this year, he has never had to carry the workload of a starting goalie. While most starting goalies play approximately 55-60 games per season, Swayman has never had to appear in more than 41, as he’s split time with Ullmark throughout his career.
The two were arguably the best tandem in the NHL while minding the crease together for Boston, but now, Swayman must stand alone. “Being a starting goalie in the NHL isn’t about playing well for a couple of days. It’s about fighting your way out of a bad week,” former Bruins goalie Andrew Raycroft said of Swayman while attending the team’s Fan Fest on Sunday.
“He hasn’t had to do that yet, so it’ll b.