Plan in net? Montgomery mum
If you’re guessing whether it will be Jeremy Swayman or Linus Ullmark to start in net when the playoffs begin, keep guessing.
If you’re guessing whether coach Jim Montgomery will alternate his tenders throughout the postseason or opt to go with a leading man . . . keep guessing yet again.
Prior to Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss to the Senators in Game 82, Montgomery showed no inclination to tip his hand about his blocker-and-glove decision.
A veteran wag asked Montgomery if he would reveal his answer prior to Saturday morning, the day Game 1 is expected to be played at the Garden.
“Probably not!” he said with a broad smile and hefty chuckle before adding, “we’ve got two good options.”
Ullmark handled season-wrap duties against the Senators.
If Montgomery were to stick to boilerplate, that would mean Swayman, extremely sharp Monday night in Washington, would get the green light for Game 1.
But that, of course, is only guesswork.
Megna draws promotion
The day began with GM Don Sweeney reaching down to AHL Providence for journeyman center Jayson Megna, who signed last July as an unrestricted free agent and spent the full season with the WannaB’s.
To make room for Megna, 34, the Bruins placed rookie Johnny Beecher on loan to Providence, in what likely was only a paper transaction.
Beecher, though not prolific (7-3–10) in his third- and fourth-line center/wing assignments, has become a trusted faceoff contributor for Montgomery.
“He’s had a really good year,” said the coach, referring to Megna’s AHL production. “And in the last two months, he’s caught fire and consistently been really good down there.”
Megna, son-in-law of US Olympic hero (and former Bruins goalie) Jim Craig, played 203 NHL games, most recently with Anaheim, prior to coming here as a UFA.
He turned pro out of college with Pittsburgh and has played for the Penguins, Rangers, Canucks, Avs, and Ducks.
Prior to his call-up, Megna was tied for second with Anthony Richard in production (51 points) in Providence with 18 goals and 33 assists.
His two-way contract paid him $400,000 this season in Providence, which is hefty pay
nd at the AHL level.
“We’ve looked at a lot of players throughout the year,” said Montgomery, “and this is an opportunity to look at him.”
Megna lined up at left wing on a line with fellow ex-WannaBs Jesper Boqvist and Jakub Lauko and spent 11:45 on ice.
Moving target
With 12 goals in his first 17 games this season, David Pastrnak was tracking to put up a second consecutive 60-goal season, something not done in the NHL since Pavel Bure went 60-60 with the Canucks from 1992-94.
Pastrnak entered Game 82 with a line of 47-62–109 then finished with one assist, leaving him shy of being the first Bruin since Cam Neely (1989-91) to post consecutive 50goal seasons.
Just under a month ago, on March 19, Pastrnak connected for a hat trick vs the Senators, his last multi-goal game of the season.
He finished with only three goals (3-8–11) over his final 12 games, reflecting, in part, his struggle to score on the power play in the second half. He had only one power-play goal (March 7) in the club’s final 34 games.
Last season, Pastrnak set career highs for goals (61) and points (113). This season, he had 110 points, including a career-best 63 assists.
Maroon gets a breather
Pat “Big Rig” Maroon was given the night off for maintenance, after playing in his first two games as a Bruin on Saturday in Pittsburgh and Monday in Washington, D.C. Montgomery said he expects both Maroon and Brandon Carlo, also out vs. the Senators, to be ready for the start of the playoffs . . . Trent Frederic was presented with NESN’s Seventh Player Award prior to faceoff . . . Asked pre-game if Beecher being designated “on loan” to Providence was merely a paper transaction, Montgomery replied, “That’s out of my scope.” He then said he “absolutely” appreciated what Beecher has added to the varsity lineup . . . Montgomery said he is “elated” that Derek Forbort, believed to be out the remainder of the season due to injury, has reported to Providence for conditioning. It’s possible the veteran could see playing time in the postseason. “Trending the right way,” said Montgomery, “but there’s no timeline.”