The time has finally come. Ever since the big trade, this was the date circled on the calendar. Nov. 9, 2024 is set to have a tilt between the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators. Former Bruins and current Senators goalie Linus Ullmark will make his return to Boston for the first time.
Ullmark was beloved in the city of Boston, not just by the fans, but also his teammates. He was a great free-agent signing by general manager Don Sweeney and was a tremendous goalie for the Bruins, backstopping them to their historic Presidents’ Trophy season (2022-23), scored a goal, and captured the Vezina Trophy. Those are memories that are going to last forever. Returning to TD Garden is going to be special for Ullmark, as he gets to return to a place where he had success as a goalie.
“It’s going to be fun, interesting, a lot of emotions, but I feel that it’s going to be sort of a forever memory,” he said.
Memories last forever and this game will be a special return. A tribute video should come and the reception should be electrifying. It is also very meaningful for current Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman.
What This Game Means
The players are friends and the bonds they shape over time do not go away. Of course, if a player gets moved, they may spend time off the ice and reconnect, but once the puck drops, the competitive nature sets in. For Swayman, this game means more than any other game he will start on the schedule.
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Swayman and Ullmark formed one of the best tandems in hockey when they were together from 2021-2024. Both goalies gave the Bruins a chance to win on any given night and their competitive nature allowed them to push one another. It is a large reason that the Bruins were successful and they were the backbone of the team. They also shared many hugs, which was their brotherly celebration after every victory. It was special and something the two will cherish forever. But their bond goes beyond the ice and the two are very close.
They are more than teammates. They were brothers and often spent time with each other’s families. It is something that both Ullmark and Swayman held onto and something that will never go away. Prior to the game, Swayman touched on this aspect of their relationship.
“It still hasn’t hit. It still feels like I have his presence around here and the traditions that we had still live on…[in this locker room], we’re…
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