Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy sounds off on goaltender Linus Ullmark

With former All-Star goaltender Tuukka Rask's future with the Boston Bruins up the air, the team decided to make other arrangements, bringing aboard former Buffalo Sabres goaltender Linus Ullmark and hammering out a four year, $20 commitment for him to wear the black and yellow.

And although it's only exhibition play, Ullmark hasn't exactly won over the hearts of fans so far. He's yet to win a single tune-up game, and currently sports a save percentage below that of the .900 mark. Earlier this evening against the Washington Capitals, he surrendered four goals on 30 shots against. 

Following the game, head coach Bruce Cassidy said that while it wasn't good that pucks found their way through his 6'4 frame, he still needs more work. 

"There were some pucks that found their way through him, which isn’t great for a big man," Cassidy said. "But we weren’t always great in front of him tonight either. I think he was better (tonight) but he needs some more reps."

For the man himself, he felt that tonight's game was a step forward.

"A step in the right direction," Ullmark said. "I felt much better. Things felt more natural out there.”

"I am certain I am ready to go for when the season starts."

The Bruins open the regular season on October 16 against the Dallas Stars. Cassidy and the rest of his staff may have a difficult decision on their hands on who will get the nod in net for that game, considering the fact that second year Bruin Jeremy Swayman has posted better numbers through exhibition play thus far. 

Prior to signing with the Bruins this offseason, the 163rd overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2012 NHL Draft has appeared in 117 career games, posting a record of 50-47-13 with a 2.78 goals against average, .913 save percentage and three shutouts.