Senators Ullmark Back in Net at Just the Right Time
The Ottawa Senators are in one of those stretches where a spark feels like it could change the tone of the season. Not dead last in the Atlantic, but the road ahead is long and a little rough. Enter Linus Ullmark. He’s getting the start tonight against the New Jersey Devils, and for Ottawa, that’s more than just a goalie swap—it’s a shot of stability.
Putting Ullmark Back in the Crease Wasn’t Rushed, But It Was Time.
Head coach Travis Green made it clear this wasn’t a rushed move. “It’s the right time,” he said. “It’s good to have him back. He’s a big part of our team.” And it’s not just about stopping pucks. Ullmark has a voice in the room, a calm presence on the ice, and the kind of steadying influence that makes a locker room feel like it can handle whatever the schedule throws at them. When he’s been out over the last couple of weeks, his absence was noticeable. Players aren’t just looking for saves—they’re looking for guidance, reassurance, and the kind of confidence a starter can bring every night.
Having Ullmark back means more than just numbers in the net. It means the Senators can start playing a little looser, trusting that the backstop can bail them out when mistakes happen. It means forwards can push play without overthinking, and the team can finally start stringing together the kind of game flow that’s been missing. For a team looking to gain traction, that timing couldn’t be better.
Wins Aren’t Coming Easy for the Senators.
Tonight’s game isn’t a magic wand—wins don’t automatically appear because a goalie returns—but Ullmark’s presence sets a tone. He’s healthy, ready, and the Senators are ready to lean on him. If he can bring even a little bit of rhythm back to the team, it might be exactly what Ottawa needs to get moving in the right direction.
Linus Ullmark in the net isn’t just about stopping pucks. It’s about giving the Senators a voice, a backbone, and a little nudge toward the kind of hockey they know they’re capable of playing. Tonight, we’ll see if that spark can ignite.