As someone who has been persistently critical of the head coach, Montgomery chose to play Ullmark.
That decision demonstrated intestinal fortitude. He was going to be criticized, and will be, regardless of his decision. I give him sincere credit.
Beyond that, from what I could see, the Bruins played a good game. A structured game. Matthews' got a break, and he made the best of it. Linus played well, and also saved their bacon at least three times. The Bruins also got lucky not having at least two goals allowed.
You can only get so lucky.
It worked out as it did, but I think it was a good game all around for both clubs.
I also think that the decision to go with Ullmark in game 2, with the loss, or certainly if they had won, was a good decision. Now they can go back to Jeremy and see what happens in Toronto. One can argue there is less pressure on both goaltenders because Montgomery chose to alternate them in game one and game two.
Both of these guys have never proven it in the playoffs. Both of these guys seem to require rest and the back and forth in terms of who starts. So I think Montgomery has done the best he can.
Speech to text.
See you in Toronto,