The Key to the Bruins' Goalkeeping Success Has Been Uncovered
At this stage, it should be clear which team boasts the best goaltending tandem in the NHL, but what makes the Bruins duo stand out?
In a recent article by the The Athletic, Fluto Shinzawa conducted an in-depth analysis of the exceptional performance of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark this season.
Illustrating the excellence of Boston's goalkeepers:
The Tale of Goalie Bob
Ultimately, the primary contributor to the duo's success can be attributed to goalie coach Bob Essensa. Known as �'Goalie Bob,'' he has been with the Bruins since 2003 and, as Shinzawa pointed out, has mentored some outstanding goaltenders.
One of his most recent notable accomplishments is Ullmark's transformation, who is highly likely to secure the Vezina Trophy in a few months. Despite initial friction between the two as mentioned by Shinzawa, Ullmark shared a heartfelt comment about Essensa:
Now 58, Essensa had a 12-year NHL career as a goaltender, mainly with the Winnipeg/Phoenix franchise.
Goalie Bob played in 446 games for the Jets/Coyotes, Oilers, Red Wings, Canucks, and Sabres. The Ontario native concluded his career with a 173-176-47 record, a .895 SV%, a 3.15 GAA, and 18 shutouts (respectable numbers for goalies during the 80s and 90s hockey era).
In the 1991-92 season with Winnipeg, he also placed third in Vezina voting, recording a 21-17-6 score with a .898 SV% and a 3.15 GAA.
This raises the question: should the Hockey Hall of Fame include goalie coaches in its �'Builders'' category?
Access the complete article through the link below:
As read on Bruins Insider - The Secret to the Bruins Goaltending Success Has Been Revealed.
| POLL | ||
13 AVRIL | 78 ANSWERS The Key to the Bruins' Goalkeeping Success Has Been Uncovered Should goalie coaches be recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame? | ||
| Yes | 61 | 78.2 % |
| No | 17 | 21.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
