Jeremy Swayman Taken Aback By ‘Special’ Duel Against Linus Ullmark

Linus Ullmark discovered he’d been traded from the Boston Bruins to the Ottawa Senators over fourth months ago, closing the door on an elite three-year run that saw the 31-year-old split duties with Jeremy Swayman to form the NHL’s best goalie tandem.

Fast forward to Saturday night and Ullmark returned to the place he once called home, this time wearing Ottawa’s white, red and black threads for the first time on TD Garden’s ice. It was an emotional return back, and an even special night for Swayman.

“It was a special game, I think,” Swayman told reporters after Boston’s 3-2 overtime loss to Ottawa, per team-provided audio. “We share such an incredible bond and to see him in another jersey is different. I’m very happy for him and the success he’s having, and I expected a game like that — back and forth. It’s fun to watch him succeed.”

Boston experienced the brunt end of Ullmark’s defense as the 10-year veteran saved 14-of-16 shots from the Bruins in 60:21 minutes on the ice.

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Ullmark and Swayman were the foundation of Boston’s defense, standing at the forefront during the 65-win campaign in 2022-23 that broke the NHL’s all-time regular-season victory record. That year, Ullmark took home the Vezina Trophy while the duo won the Jennings Trophy for the fewest goals allowed in the league (172 combined). Ullmark also made his first career All-Star Game after leading the NHL in wins (21), GAA (1.86), and save percentage (.939) upon being selected.

The Ullmark-Swayman tandem also experienced the lows after riding the highs, sharing a gut-wrenching first-round elimination against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup playoffs after the team’s historic run two seasons ago. Entering the first non-Ullmark season was strange in itself, especially knowing the split would also mean the end of the iconic goalie hug previously used to celebrate every Bruins win.

Before puck drop Saturday night, Ullmark and Swayman reunited on the ice for their first — and maybe last — goalie hug as opponents, for old time’s sake.

“We knew that we were gonna meet before,” Swayman said. “So really happy. It’s incredible to see the fanbase just support us so much and what we created together and just know it’s never gonna be done again in hockey. So that’s something we’ll always share and have.”

Boston fans erupted in honor of Ullmark, who also received an honorary video tribute from the Bruins, highlighting Ullmark’s shining moments with the team. It was expected, but no less special for the individual who gave the Spoked-B his all and departed leaving such a strong mark in such a short-lived tenure.

“He deserved every bit of that,” Swayman said. “It just goes to show he’s a talented goalie, a great human being and people are gonna support that.”