When Finnish goalkeeper legend Tukka Rask ended his career, a new goalkeeper duo stepped forward in the Boston Bruins who have charmed their supporters properly during the past NHL season.
Linus Ullmark and American Jeremy Swayman played 41 matches each in the basic series, had almost identical statistics (91.7 and 91.4 in save percentage in the Swede’s favor) and have supported each other through a unique greeting ritual.
The two goalkeepers have on several occasions been seen embracing each other in a very loving bear hug, something that has been widely spread and gone viral on social media.
But when the United States stood for the opposition with Swayman in the goal in Linus Ullmark’s first World Cup match for Tre Kronor, the friendship was on pause.
– It was a bit surreal, a bit fun. Very mixed feelings. It was inspiring and motivating in itself to meet his goalkeeper partner who they have been dealing with all season. Unfortunately for me, he won this battle, but in retrospect I think he can get this win if we take it all home, says Linus Ullmark.
The USA won the match in Tampere with 3-2 after sudden death, but Ullmark does not think it is something he will be teased for by his five year younger teammate in Boston.
– He does not dare.
What did you say to each other before and after the match?
– We wished each other good luck. It was no big deal. We both know that the season is over in the club team and that we are no longer teammates without rivals. At the same time, you can show each other respect, which we did and said a few words after the match as well.
He did not offer a bear hug afterwards?
– No, he did not and I had not tolerated that either.
Sweden went for a decision in the final seconds of extra time, but instead went on a counterattack whereupon Adam Gaudette secured the victory for the Americans.
To just hold the puck in the offensive zone to wait for a penalty was not something that Ullmark had advocated, despite the outcome.
– It is not a winning hockey, I think. Why take the safe before the unsafe when you can decide? It is important to dare to want to win. The will to win must always be greater than the fear of losing, he says.
– Everyone here wants to decide. Sometimes it sucks, we had the opportunity to score goals but unfortunately we did not.
Federation captain Johan Garpenlöv was very pleased with Ullmark’s first World Cup match. Not least in games three against three in overtime, he offered a sweaty parade and stopped a goal that felt given in advance.
– I think Ullmark actually saves us in this match. I think he was really good, sends good signals and gives security to the team, says Garpenlöv.
Already on Sunday, a new one is waiting match against Norway, at 19.20 Swedish time. Ullmark is happy to stand between the posts again to get to know the team better.
– The biggest difference is playing in a new team. You have played in your club team for nine months and then you come to the national team which may have a different philosophy. Then it is important to change quickly, put the work aside on the ice and really understand what is required of you as a player, says Ullmark.
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