Cassidy prevents history from being made by starting Ullmark Game 1
PUBLICATION
Dave
May 2, 2022 (4:54 PM)
Head Coach Bruce Cassidy announced Ullmark would be the team's starter in the postseason.
By doing so, the Bruins head coach obviously admitted that he viewed
Jeremy Swayman as the team's backup goaltender for the time being.
The news is unfortunate for the Bruins rookie netminder, as he was on the verge of doing something that's rarely been done in Boston Bruins history.
As a matter of fact, should Swayman have gotten the start for Game 1, he would've become only the fifth rookie in the NHL's expansion era (since 1967-1968) to start the opening game of the postseason for Boston.
To this date, the only four netminders to begin the playoffs for the Bruins while being in their very first year in the league are:
- Tuukka Rask in the 2010 Conference Quarterfinals
- Andrew Raycroft in the 2004 Conference Quarterfinals
- Blaine Lacher in the 1995 Conference Quarterfinals
- Mike Moffat in the 1982 Division Semifinals.
At this point, Boston fans can only hope that Swayman doesn't need to play in any games for the club during these playoffs, but should he get between the pipes and start winning, he could still etch his name in Bruins history.
Overall, only eight different rookie goaltenders have registered a playoff win for the Bruins, so Swayman could become the ninth with a single W.
However, should he get eight wins (or more), he could match or surpass Frank Brimsek's single-postseason franchise rookie record, when he won eights games to back the club to its second Stanley Cup back in 1939.
Previously on Bruins Insider
|
2 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Retired: Blake Wheeler issued a heartfelt statement towards the Boston Bruins after retiring |
|
3 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Boston Bruins trade Pavel Zacha to their biggest rival: A new team has emerged as a landing destination |
|
5 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Charlie McAvoy publicly leaks the Boston Bruins plans for announcing a new captain |
|
7 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Boston Bruins former first-round pick's professional career is over: Overseas contract has been terminated |
|
8 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Charlie McAvoy issued a shocking statement on his health to the media ahead of the 2025-26 season |
|
10 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Completed signing during free agency: Don Sweeney facing major backlash |
|
23 hours ago | By Austin Sabourin Boston Bruins top prospect James Hagens' fate with the Boston Bruins confirmed |
|
Jul 31 | By Austin Sabourin Matt Poitras was just placed on the hot seat by GM Don Sweeney: He could be done in Boston |