Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery isn't yet ready to commit to backing off his long-standing goaltender rotation for Game 4 of the team's first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it sure sounds like he's considering it.
Asked if Jeremy Swayman's recent impressive record against the Leafs will factor in his decision, Montgomery pointed to another aspect of the Bruins' 4-2 win in Game 3.
"Sometimes I don't think that (head-to-head records matter) but when (Max) Domi goes off the bench and bumps him on purpose, makes me think that maybe he's in their head a little bit," Montgomery said.
During a break in play in the second period, Domi made contact with Swayman as he skated off the bench.
Swayman was in net for Boston's two wins in the series. Over the past two seasons, Swayman is 6-0-0 against the Maple Leafs, with a .959 save percentage and 1.31 goals-against average. He also has had four 30-save performances.
Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe, however, isn't buying Montgomery's theory.
"I sense zero frustration," he said. "I think it's playoff hockey and things are happening all over the ice. With that logic, you would say every time they bump into one of our guys, maybe we're in their heads."
There is now an extra day off between games, with the teams returning to action Saturday in Toronto.
Swayman and Linus Ullmark, the Vezina Trophy winner last year, have been on a rotation most of the season. Swayman hasn't started two games in a row since Feb. 19-21.
"I mean we're going to have more rest," Montgomery said. "The rotation's been so good for us, so it's a hard decision."
Watch Game 4 on Saturday on Sportsnet or Sportsnet+ at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
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