Numerous exceptional goaltenders have graced the Boston franchise throughout its history, and Linus Ullmark might be delivering the most remarkable single-season performance ever witnessed by Bruins fans.
Outdoing a Bruins Icon in the Crease
Former Bruins star, Tim Thomas, holds the record for the best season by an NHL goaltender in the modern era; however, as per MoneyPuck.com, Ullmark is on the cusp of surpassing this historic achievement. Thomas ended the 2010-11 season with a Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) of 39.6, and Ullmark is closely trailing him with only 10 games left:
''Top goalies this season. Ullmark just 1.0 expected goals away from the all time NHL modern stats record set by Tim Thomas in 2011.''
To illustrate Ullmark's heavier competition, Thomas finished 2011 with a 13.7 lead over the next competing goalie, Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes, who had a 25.9 GSAx, Juuse Saros and Ilya Sorokin within six points of Ullmark this season.
Anticipating Similar Outcomes
We all remember the conclusion of that year for Boston, which was quite favourable. Thomas maintained his incredible form throughout the postseason, culminating in a Stanley Cup Championship and a Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP. He also secured the Vezina Trophy with the subsequent regular season statistics.
*2010-11 Tim Thomas:
35-11-9 record, 2.00 GAA, .938 SV% and 9 shutouts.
*2022-23 Linus Ullmark:
36-5-1 record, 1.92 GAA, .937 SV% and 2 shutouts (plus a goalie goal)
Of course, the season's not over yet, and Ullmark and the Bruins have more goals to achieve. Alongside fellow fans, we all hope for an outcome mirroring that of 2011.
