Jeremy Swayman starts Game 4 as Bruins part ways with goalie rotation

Bruins

The Bruins rotated goaltenders over the previous 28 games before sticking with Swayman on Saturday.

This is Jeremy Swayman’s net for Game 4 against the Maple Leafs.

After alternating goaltenders for the previous 28 games, Jim Montgomery and the Bruins deviated from their usual rotation Saturday night – with Swayman making back-to-back starts against Toronto.

“We’re going to have more rest, but both goalies, the rotation has been so good for us,” Montgomery said Thursday of which goalie he’ll be rolling with. “So it’s a difficult decision.”

While Linus Ullmark (31 saves on 34 shots) wasn’t the main reason the Bruins lost Game 2 to Toronto on Monday night, it’s hard to ignore how dominant Swayman has been this season against a powerful Maple Leafs offensive.

After Boston’s Game 3 win Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena, Swayman is now 5-0-0 against the Maple Leafs this season with a .957 save percentage.

According to MoneyPuck, Swayman has already saved 7.8 goals above expectations in two games against Toronto – a byproduct of the numerous opportunities in front of the net and the slot shots he turned away in Games 1 and 3.

The Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin ranks second among all playoff goalies in saved goals, expected at 3.5 in three appearances.

“Any chance I get to play, I’m going to do everything I can to help this team win,” Swayman said Wednesday after Boston’s Game 3 victory. “Whether it’s two games in a row or any other game, I’m just really grateful for every opportunity I get and that’s all I’m worried about.”

The Bruins will once again need Swayman to be at his best Saturday against a Toronto team looking to avoid losing 3-1 in this best-of-seven series. The Leafs should get a major boost up front, as forward William Nylander is expected to play after missing the first three games of the series due to injury.

The last time Swayman had two days off between consecutive starts, he followed up a 31-save shutout against New Jersey on Jan. 15 with a 30-save game in a 5-2 win over the Avalanche on January 18.

“I don’t want any rest,” Swayman said after Game 3. “I just want to keep playing. No matter when I get the call, whether it’s two games in a row or any other game, I want to make sure my body is ready and I’m ready to give my best by myself.