Senators Get Good News as Ullmark Returns With an OT Win

The Ottawa Senators could hardly have asked for a better welcome-back performance from Linus Ullmark. Returning to the lineup for the first time since October 21, the veteran goaltender helped Ottawa earn a 4-3 overtime victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday.

It wasn't a perfect night defensively. Colorado managed three goals, including two on the power play and another while shorthanded. But Ullmark stopped 26 of 29 shots and, perhaps more importantly, kept the Avalanche off the scoreboard in overtime. Shane Pinto helped, scoring twice.

For Ottawa, getting its goaltender back is welcome news. Getting him back against one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive teams and coming away with a victory makes it even better.

Ullmark Reminds Ottawa What It Has in Goal.

Ullmark’s return comes with some impressive numbers. In nine appearances this season, he has an 8-1-0 record, a 1.52 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage. Those aren't ordinary numbers. They suggest Ottawa has been getting something special from its goaltender, and Thursday's performance offered another reminder of what he can bring.

Colorado is not an easy opponent for any goaltender. The Avalanche have the offensive talent to make life uncomfortable for teams, and Ullmark faced plenty of pressure in his first game back.

Allowing three goals might not look particularly impressive on the stat sheet, but the circumstances matter. He made 26 saves, Ottawa found a way to win, and Ullmark did his part when the game went into overtime.

Ullmark's Return Could Give Ottawa a Lift.

There's another reason for Ottawa fans to feel encouraged. Having a dependable goaltender back in the net can give everyone in the lineup a little more confidence. Defencemen can settle into their assignments, forwards can concentrate on creating offence, and the team gets another important piece back in place.

Of course, Ottawa will want to be sensible about Ullmark's workload after his extended absence. Nine appearances don't make a full season, and the Senators need him healthy and available for the longer haul. Still, Thursday was a good start.

Ottawa has plenty of work ahead, but getting an 8-1 goaltender back into the lineup and beating Colorado in overtime is a pretty good night's work. Sometimes the best news a hockey team can receive is simply getting one of its most important players back. The Senators got that news on Thursday.