On the surface, selecting Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins as the 2022 Unmasked Goalie of the Year may seem like taking the easy way out given his dominance this season, but the reality of an award based on the calendar year is that there were some similarly qualified candidates based solely on performance.
Ullmark may lead the NHL in wins with an incredible 20-1-1 record, a 1.90 goals-against average, and save percentage by a considerable margin at .938 in the 2022-23 season, but there is some notable statistical competition since Jan. 1.
Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers is tied with Ullmark atop the NHL with 39 wins in the regular season in 2022, slightly ahead in save percentage (.927 to .925) and is the reigning Vezina Trophy winner as the League’s top goalie. Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders has a matching .925 save percentage since Jan. 1, as does the Washington Capitals’ Darcy Kuemperwho also leads the NHL in shutouts (8) and won the Stanley Cup in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche.
So, what sets Ullmark apart from his puck-stopping peers for this award?
Since its debut in 2018, the Unmasked Goalie of the Year Award has strived to recognize someone, or something, that dominates conversations in the goalie world during the past 12 months. It won’t always be a goalie, either. It could be a statistical revolution tied to the position, an equipment innovation, a coach who revitalizes careers, a new save technique, or even advocacy off the ice.
In addition to playing so well, Ullmark checked several of those boxes in 2022.
Atop that list is the way Ullmark embraced — literally — the NHL trend toward tandems with playing partners Jeremy Swayman. Their celebratory hug after a Bruins win has inspired imitation and a sense of joy right down to youth hockey.
“We had no idea it was going to turn into what it is now and we’re so thankful for it, but we really harp on understanding that it’s not for show whatsoever,” Swayman told NHL.com earlier this season. “We do it because we just love each other, and to see how it’s impacted the goalie communities is pretty incredible.”
It’s also symbolic, given the way the NHL is leaning less and less on workhorse No. 1s and utilizing more job shares between 1A and 1B tandems. Ullmark’s dominance this season has come in 23 starts, and that number likely wouldn’t be as high if Swayman hadn’t missed more than two weeks with a lower-body injury sustained Nov. 1.
“We know what it’s like to be a goalie in Boston and it’s incredible to have that support from the one guy you’re competing with every day,” Swayman said, “But we’re going to do whatever we can to help his team win.” , and that’s a pretty special thing.”
Video: BOS@COL: Ullmark propels Bruins with 23-save shutout
Ullmark has also been a favorite in the goaltending community because of his equipment and willingness to talk about it.
Beyond embracing the ability to print digital graphics on his pads, an innovation led by Bauer Inc., with bold designs dating to his time with the Buffalo Sabers and exemplified most recently by the custom designs for the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park. Monday, Ullmark will happily geek out on his gear’s function as well as fashion.
It’s not like every goalie needs to treat their equipment like retired baseball star Ichiro Suzuki did his bats, keeping them in humidors to regulate moisture, but with more and more young goalies seemingly unaware of all the intricacies of their gear, Ullmark’s awareness of specific details remains refreshing. It includes continuing to use some leather straps and metal buckles in an era dominated by nylon and Velcro, including adding custom options to facilitate better feel and seal in the butterfly.
Ullmark’s equipment obsession began with his brother noting what players used and perusing the old website of famed Swedish mask painter David Gunnarsson, before blossoming as a teenager.
“I didn’t become a maniac, but definitely a goalie gear nerd,” Ullmark once told NHL.com. “I started writing down what every goalie wore, and if they changed, and what kind of sticks they used and what kind of tape job. I was focusing more on how guys looked on the ice than the actual score or the game itself.”
Perhaps the best example is Ullmark’s own unique tape job. He rubs a puck over the top and bottom edges of white tape on the blade of his stick to turn them black. The bottom edge sticks to the ice better, and the top is for improved vision.
“When I go out to play the puck, I can see my blade at all times,” Ullmark said. “When you’re out in the white ice, a white blade can be hard to see, but this is easy.”
That’s the functional part. The fashion statement comes in the form of rubbing the puck over white tape on the heel of his stick.
“I wanted to do something that only I have,” said Ullmark, who looked through old photos of NHL goalies like Patrick Roy, Ed Belfour and Dominik Hasek to make sure no one else did it. “I looked at their tape jobs and no one had it, so I was pumped.”
As if the hugs and that level of enthusiasm for equipment isn’t enough, Ullmark also continued to evolve under the tutelage of Bruins goalie coach Bob Essensa, adding flow to his game. It’s no surprise that Ullmark is a willing student at age 29.
“That’s just how goaltending is: adapt and evolve,” Ullmark said.
Ullmark has also had to adapt to personal challenges. He recently opened up to NHL.com’s Amalie Benjamin about struggling with his father’s alcoholism. Much like fellow Swede Robin Lehner, who won the Unmasked Award in 2019 in part for his ability to mix strong play with mental health advocacy, Ullmark’s willingness to talk about getting help should also be applauded.
Add that to his equipment obsession, the relationship with Swayman and his exceptional play, and Ullmark is a worthy choice as the 2022 Unmasked Goalie of the Year and, like the award, a fittingly unique celebration of the position itself.
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