The Bruins don't plan to have a No. 1 goalie entering the season.
Unlike in previous seasons, when
Tuukka Rask
would get the bulk of the starts, rookie Jeremy Swayman and free agent signee Linus Ullmark will split time.
"There was a defined No. 1, Tuukka," coach Bruce Cassidy said. "So we would schedule his 50 to 54-ish (starts) the last couple years, go through the whole calendar. I'm not sure we'll do that this year in terms of the same way. I think it'll be more month to month, performance driven."
Cassidy did indicate that the Bruins will give some credence to Ullmark's standing as a veteran. Swayman made his NHL debut April 6 and has played 10 regular-season games; Ullmark has played 117 games in six NHL seasons.
"We have to make sure we're true to giving [Ullmark] time to get his game where it needs to be," Cassidy said. "So [goaltending coach Bob Essensa] will deal with that on a regular basis. Swayman, we know what he can do on a small sample size and certainly will get the net and continue to get it if he earns it.
"It's not determined one will be definitely the No. 1 or not, so I think there's more competition than there ever has been. But like I said, Ullmark is a veteran of this league and we've got to be mindful of this and make sure he gets the necessary reps." -- Amalie Benjamin