Ottawa Senators fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Star goaltender Linus Ullmark, who caused concern by leaving Wednesday's practice early, is confirmed to start in net for the crucial Thursday night clash against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Practice Scare Raises Eyebrows
The alarm bells rang during the Senators' morning practice on Wednesday when two key players, goalie Linus Ullmark and defenseman Jake Sanderson, left the session prematurely. Both were seen in extended discussions with the team's athletic therapist, sparking immediate speculation about their availability for the upcoming game. This unexpected development dominated conversations among fans and analysts alike, with many questioning if Ullmark would be fit to face the Penguins.
Coach Green and Reports Give the All-Clear
Any doubts were put to rest on Thursday. Head coach Travis Green addressed the situation directly, stating, "They'll both be fine," confirming that both Ullmark and Sanderson would play. This confirmation was bolstered by a report from TSN's Claire Hanna on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which clearly stated: "Linus Ullmark starts in net tonight for the #Sens vs Pittsburgh."
Ullmark has been a workhorse for Ottawa, starting in three-quarters of the team's games this season. The team has managed his workload carefully, ensuring he hasn't been overworked in back-to-back situations or played through injury.
Ullmark's Season Stats and Storied Career
The Swedish netminder's current season numbers show room for improvement, but his pedigree is unquestionable. As of now, Ullmark holds a 12–8–4 record, which is tied for eighth in the league. However, his goals-against average (GAA) stands at 3.00 (ranking 41st in the NHL), and his save percentage is .879 (49th). He is yet to record a shutout this campaign.
These figures are a contrast to his Vezina Trophy-winning form with the Boston Bruins in the 2022-23 season. That year, he posted a phenomenal 40-6-1 record, leading the league with a 1.89 GAA and a .938 save percentage, helping the Bruins set NHL records for wins (65) and points (135).
Ullmark's journey to Ottawa was a major offseason move. He was traded by the Bruins to the Senators on June 24, 2024, in exchange for Joonas Korpisalo, Mark Kastelic, and a first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Shortly after, on October 9, he signed a substantial four-year contract with Ottawa worth $33 million (an $8.25 million average annual value). His quality has also been recognized internationally, with a recent call-up to Sweden's roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
With the injury scare behind them, the Senators will now focus fully on the task at hand: securing a victory against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins, with their number-one goalie firmly between the pipes.
