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Ex-Senator makes his thoughts on Linus Ullmark starting against former team Boston Bruins extremely clear
The Ottawa Senators face the Boston Bruins on Saturday, and a big story is Linus Ullmark’s return to play against his old team. Former Senators player Marc Methot, a current TSN analyst, talked to Claire Hanna on the Thursday TSN broadcast about Ullmark.
Methot sees this game as both a challenge and an opportunity for Ullmark. According to Methot, facing his former team could help Linus Ullmark get back on track.
"I think it sets up really well for him only because he has been struggling a little bit by his own standards so far to start the season with the Ottawa Senators," Methot said.
Methot noted that playing against a former team brings “a lot of emotion.”
"So to me, it’s a great opportunity for him to feed off of that (playing against his former team), get himself a victory assuming the team plays very well. ... It’s not always positive. So it could go one of two ways, right? So yes, there’s going to be a lot of emotion for him. I think he’ll handle it really well," Methot added.
Linus Ullmark’s stats this season have been less than impressive. With a record of 2-4-0, a 3.02 goals-against average (GAA) and a .892 save percentage, he’s had some challenges. These numbers are below his teammate Anton Forsberg, who has a 2.72 GAA and .905 save percentage. Forsberg has been more reliable for the Senators so far.
Ullmark’s stats also fall short compared to the Bruins’ goalies, Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo. Swayman has a 3.14 GAA and a .894 save percentage, while Korpisalo has a 2.72 GAA and .900 save percentage. That puts extra pressure on Ullmark to step up, as Forsberg has been more consistent in net.
Jeremy Swayman reflects on missing Linus Ullmark after trade to Ottawa Senators
Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark became good friends over three years as goaltending partners for the Boston Bruins.
They won the William M. Jennings Trophy together and shared many experiences. However, both goalies wanted more starting opportunities this season, which led to Ullmark's trade to the Ottawa Senators in June.
Before their reunion in Boston, Swayman said he misses Ullmark, calling it "like losing a brother." Linus Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy with Boston, also shared his excitement about the reunion and the emotions it would bring.
“From time to time. Not very often,” Ullmark said (Via NHL.com). “He has his own thing; I have my own thing. It’s easier to kind of keep in touch when you’re on the same team. But once you get into the rhythm of the season, it’s hard to take time for that sort of things. You tend to focus on yourself and your family more.”
Since the trade, staying in touch has been tougher. They now keep in touch through texts and calls but miss their daily interactions. Despite the distance, both goalies cherish their time together in Boston. They are looking forward to the upcoming game, which will remind them of their time as teammates.
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