Article content
Following each game in the first round between the Maple Leafs and Bruins, we’ll be providing a quick synopsis of the clubs’ goaltending performances.
Article content
A look at how each netminder fared in the Leafs’ 3-2 win in Game 2:
Article content
Ilya Samsonov, Maple Leafs
27/29 saves, .931 save percentage
Samsonov stressed after Game 1 that he had full belief in himself and then backed that up with excellence in Game 2. Neither Bruins goal could be hung on his shoulders and when there was a next-goal-wins feeling in the third period, Samsonov stopped all 10 Boston shots in the final frame.
No save was bigger than his stretch across the crease to thwart Bruins captain Brad Marchand a minute into the third. Had Auston Matthews not dominated, Samsonov would have had first-star honours.
Not that it really needed to be called into question, but there is no doubt that Samsonov is the guy for Toronto. If Joseph Woll gets in, it might be only because of injury to Samsonov.
Article content
Linus Ullmark, Bruins
31/34 saves, .912 save percentage
Bruins coach Jim Montgomery kept with his rotation of Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, and we don’t fault him for that.
Does Swayman, say, make a save on Auston Matthews’ breakaway with eight minutes to go? Unlikely, given the manner in which Matthews scored, with a quick deke to his forehand.
Not long before Matthews scored, Ullmark made a large save on Nick Robertson to keep the game tied 2-2. Neither of the Leafs’ other two goals, by Max Domi and John Tavares, were softies.
The expectation is that Montgomery would go back to Swayman for Game 3. Like we said, it’s a rotation thing. That wouldn’t be a comment on Ullmark’s performance because he was solid.
X: @koshtorontosun
Recommended from Editorial
Share this article in your social network
