The Ottawa Senators have demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges this season, but they are now facing a significant setback as goaltender Linus Ullmark takes a leave of absence for personal reasons, as announced by General Manager Steve Staios. This absence leaves a notable gap in the team, despite Ullmark’s mixed performance this season, where he has secured 14 wins in 28 games with a 2.95 goals-against average and .881 save percentage. Ullmark was pulled out of the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs after conceding four goals on 14 shots.
Teammates, including alternate captain Thomas Chabot and captain Brady Tkachuk, are extending their full support to Ullmark during this time. Leevi Merilainen, who stepped in admirably for Ullmark last season, will now be tasked with shouldering the workload going forward. Merilainen, with a 4-6 record and .874 save percentage in nine starts this season, had a remarkable 7-2-1 record with three shutouts when filling in for Ullmark last December.
With the Senators currently outside of a playoff position in the competitive Eastern Conference, they are relying on Merilainen to deliver his best performance. Tkachuk praised Merilainen’s competitive spirit and determination to win, highlighting his quiet but fierce demeanor. Merilainen will start in the upcoming game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, with Hunter Shepard from the Belleville Senators serving as his backup.
Despite facing various injuries throughout the season, including a significant absence by Tkachuk earlier on, the Senators have persevered. Chabot emphasized that adapting to Ullmark’s absence is part of the NHL experience, and the team must elevate their performance collectively to support their goaltender during this period. On a positive note, defenceman Tyler Kleven is set to return after missing three games, while forward Shane Pinto, a game-time decision, participated in his first full practice on Sunday. Defenceman Nick Jensen will be a healthy scratch for the upcoming game.