Should Swayman Have Started Last Night?
The Bruins fell to the Calgary Flames 4-1 in Boston on Tuesday night. It was the first game back from the All-Star break and the B’s certainly looked like a team that has been off for over a week. The Flames were the first opponent on this 7 game home stand who sit at the bottom of the Western Conference. Trailing 2-0 early in the second period, the B’s had two shots on net the final 17 minutes of the period.
Jim Montgomery was surprised with the bruins effort.
“I just didn’t think we were good,” Montgomery said. “Our effort was poor. Obviously, as the coaching staff we look inwardly, we look at our preparation. You always think as a coach your preparation is good, but obviously, it wasn’t good enough. A lot of mental mistakes, a lot of physical mistakes, and that’s a lack of real good preparation, individually and collectively.”
Jeremy Swayman got the start in net to open the second half. He played in the All-Star game over the weekend and gave up four goals on 29 shots. It’s the fifth time this season Swayman has allowed four or more goals in a game. Linus Ullmark had been off for 9 days and will have 11 days off before his presumed start on Thursday against Vancouver. I personally don’t blame the goaltender for the careless plays, turnovers and lack of offensive production. Their only goal came in the 3rd period on a Pavel Zacha power-play goal to make it 2-1. A too many men on the ice penalty took away any momentum for the Bruins.
The Bruins looked rusty and it is fair to question if Ullmark should have got the start in net against Calgary. They would then have a rested Swayman against the top team in the Western Conference in the Canucks.The Bruins will have a full day of rest on Wednesday then prepare for the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.
