The ever-grinning Linus Ullmark displayed his seldom-seen aggressive side during game five, but it is said that the gentle giant may have been gearing up for this moment.
Inspired by Tim Thomas
Joe Haggerty from Boston Hockey Now reports that the Bruins' goaltender had been studying footage of former starter Tim Thomas, particularly the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.
''He had been watching some of the old videos and the old games from 2011. Including in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vancouver Canucks when Tim Thomas drilled the Sedins...''
Moreover, Thomas in 2011 and Ullmark in 2023 have striking similarities, as Ullmark broke several of Thomas' records. With Thomas winning the Vezina Trophy that year, could there be another win in 2023?
Thomas in 2011: 55-35-11, 2.00 GAA, .938 SV% and 9 shutouts. Ullmark in 2023: 40-6-1, 1.89 GAA, .938 SV% and 2 shutouts.
Certainly, Ullmark's endearing personality and status as a fan favourite contribute to his appeal. We can only hope the Bruins achieve a similar outcome as well!
Take a look at a snippet of Haggerty's segment below: