Linus Ullmark Questions Maple Leafs' Costly Decision
Linus Ullmark was surprised by the Maple Leafs' goaltending decisions in the playoffs.
© Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports - Linus Ullmark Questions Maple Leafs' Costly DecisionThe Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs provided hockey fans with another immensely entertaining first-round series this year. These two teams played an incredibly close series, but the Bruins emerged victorious again, winning Game 7 at TD Garden.
Bruins star goalie and top trade candidate Linus Ullmark discussed the series while appearing on Leafs Morning Take on Friday. Interestingly, he mentioned how he was confused by the Maple Leafs' goaltending decisions during the round.
Here's what the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner said on the matter: "I was surprised that they kept [Ilya] Samsonov in for that many games against us in the playoffs. I felt that every time we played the Leafs, and he [Joseph Woll] was in net, it felt like it was more of a challenge even though I’m not a player. Just watching him, it looked like he was in so much more control of the situation that was thrown at him.”
When looking at how this series went, it is fair to say that Ullmark has a good argument. Former Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was headstrong going with Samsonov, as the Russian netminder started the series' first four games. He went 1-3 in them, which put the Maple Leafs in a very challenging spot. He was also pulled in Game 4 after allowing three goals on 17 shots.
After Samsonov's struggles in Game 4, the Maple Leafs started Woll for Games 5 and 6. The 25-year-old was magnificent in them, saving a combined 49 out of the 51 shots he faced and leading the Maple Leafs to wins in both contests. This gave the Maple Leafs real life.
Unfortunately for the Maple Leafs, Woll suffered an injury in Game 6, which ended his hot streak at the worst time. Due to this, the Maple Leafs went with Samsonov in Game 7. While the Bruins picked up the win, Samsonov had a strong performance, saving 36 out of 38 shots.
However, in the end, it is hard not to wonder how this series could have gone for the Bruins if the Maple Leafs went with Woll earlier. It was apparent that the Bruins had serious trouble scoring against him, as the Missouri native was nearly unbeatable.
Meanwhile, the Bruins' goaltending strategy for the playoffs worked out marvelously. While Ullmark was not bad in his lone start against the Maple Leafs, the Bruins stuck with the hot goalie and went with Jeremy Swayman for the rest of the series. In the end, this decision worked out in Boston's favor.
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