Ullmark’s Play Could Sink the Senators’ Season
Has Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark lost his edge? The short answer is that he hasn’t necessarily lost it, but he’s certainly misfiring at the wrong time — and that distinction matters.
The Senators’ recent losing streak comes down to the goalies.
To be honest, Ottawa’s recent slide points to a clear issue with goaltending. Thirteen regulation goals on 94 shots over three games is a stat line that does not inspire confidence. Ullmark’s return after a leave of absence was supposed to steady the ship; instead, he was yanked after surrendering five goals on 16 shots in a game Ottawa desperately needed. That’s not just a bad night; it’s a rupture in trust between netminder and team, which is the real currency of late‑season hockey.
To be fair, mental‑health leaves are legitimate and necessary; players are human beings and deserve the space to get right. The point is that you can take the time you need, but when you commit to playing, you must be ready to compete. That’s the heart of the matter.
In NHL hockey, there's a unique relationship between a goalie and his teammates.
In NHL hockey, the relationship between the goalie and his teammates is hugely important. A goalie is a different animal, alone for long stretches, and the team needs to believe in his steadiness. When that belief frays, everything else goes searching for scapegoats.
So, while Ullmark might not have lost his edge, he’s clearly out of sync. Edge implies a permanent decline; out of sync implies an acute mismatch between readiness and responsibility. There are nights when a goaltender is off his angles, slow to recover, or mentally delayed. When that happens, teammates feel it immediately. Plays that would be routine become rebounds; simple shots find seams. The psychological compound interest of that uncertainty is brutal: forwards cheat back less, defensemen change reads, and the whole structure stiffens.
What should Ottawa do?
First, some honest assessment is needed. If Ullmark isn’t ready to give the team a reliable 60 minutes, the club must protect the season by managing minutes and matchups. That might mean more starts for the backup or situational deployments. It wouldn’t be punitive as much as pragmatic.
Second, rebuild the trust ritualistically: communication, predictable routines, and smaller goals (play the first period hard, make the second start cleaner) rather than cinematic turnarounds.
Third, shore up defence and structure so one bad night doesn’t become a collapse: fewer high‑danger chances, cleaner puck exits, and less scramble in front.
Ullmark’s play can get back to where he was at his best.
In short, the situation is recoverable. Ullmark’s talent isn’t erased by a poor stretch, but the margin for error in the playoff race is razor-thin. Ottawa needs to stop asking for miracles and start asking for process. If they do that — and if Ullmark can reestablish the simple, steady presence the team needs — the edge can return. If not, the real loss will be the season slipping away while everyone waits for lightning to strike.