The Boston Bruins are attempting to defy a decades-long trend, and so far, they’re succeeding in their first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Boston currently leads Toronto 2-1 after regaining home-ice advantage with a victory over the Maple Leafs in Game 3 on April 24.
After starting goalie Jeremy Swayman in Game 1 and Linus Ullmark in the Game 2 loss, the Bruins went back to Swayman for Game 3, and he earned his second consecutive postseason victory.
Swayman made 28 saves in Boston’s 4-2 win over Toronto in Game 3 after saving 35 shots in the 5-1 victory in Game 1.
With these two wins, Swayman now boasts a perfect 6-0-0 record against the Leafs over the past two seasons, including regular season and playoff matchups.
“Maybe [Swayman] is in their head a little bit,” Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery told reporters on April 25.
Boston had a day off on Thursday before their fourth meeting with Toronto, the second on the road, scheduled for Saturday. Coach Montgomery addressed the media and hinted at the impact of Swayman’s performances on Toronto’s mindset.
“When (Max) Domi goes off the bench and bumps him on purpose,” Montgomery said, “makes me think that maybe he’s in their head a little bit.”
Montgomery referred to Domi’s hit on Swayman during a stoppage of play, where Domi made contact with the goalie’s shoulder, causing him to fall to the ice.
Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo discussed the incident after the game, expressing displeasure with how the Leafs reacted to Swayman’s dominance and suggesting it reflected frustration, as seen in Domi’s hit.
Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe sought to dispel any potential doubts from his players when asked about Montgomery’s comments.
“I sense zero frustration,” Keefe told reporters on April 25. “I think it’s playoff hockey, and things are happening all over the ice.”
Despite praising Swayman, Bruins coach Montgomery wouldn’t commit to starting him in Game 4, citing the success of their goalie rotation.
Max Domi skates into Jeremy Swayman and Pat Maroon is not pleased. pic.twitter.com/gljd3XDhnR
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) April 25, 2024
“We’re going to have more rest, but the rotation’s been so good for us,” Montgomery said. “It’s a hard decision.”
Montgomery acknowledged the difference between Swayman’s recent back-to-back starts and previous instances, citing the extra day of rest between Game 3 and Game 4.
The Bruins currently lead the Leafs 2-1 in their first-round series, with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday, April 27, before both teams return to the United States for Game 5 at TD Garden on Tuesday.