NHL: Ottawa Senators at Calgary Flames - Source: Imagn — Linus Ullmark injures upper body in Senators’ game vs. Oilers (Source: Imagn)

Linus Ullmark injury: Senators HC reveals reason behind goalie's early exit

Modified Dec 23, 2024 04:49 GMT

Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark left Sunday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers with an upper-body injury. The Senators announced on social media that he won't return.

Sports injury expert Dr. Harjas Grewal shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) about the injury. He suggested that a puck might have hit Ullmark in the bicep, an area with minimal padding:

“I would lean towards a contusion for Ullmark and a day-to-day timeline. Think a broken bone is very unlikely.”

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Coach Travis Green said during the post-game press conference that Ullmark left the game because of back tightness.

“His back tightened up, so felt it was best if he came out,” Green said.

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Linus Ullmark didn't return for the second period and was replaced by Leevi Merilainen. His status will be closely monitored as the Senators aim to maintain their strong form in the Atlantic Division.

Ullmark entered the game in excellent form, with a 7-0-0 record in his last seven starts. During that streak, he had a .967 save percentage, a 0.99 goals-against average, and two shutouts. This season, he has a 12-7-2 record with a .916 save percentage and a 2.37 goals-against average in 22 appearances.

The Senators acquired Ullmark in the offseason after he spent nine seasons with the Boston Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres. Over his 10-year NHL career, Linus Ullmark has a 150-80-25 record with a .918 save percentage and a 2.50 goals-against average.

Linus Ullmark and Senators suffer 3-1 loss to Oilers

Zach Hyman extended his goal streak to six games in the Edmonton Oilers' 3-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. Viktor Arvidsson gave Edmonton the lead at 14:26 of the first period after Connor McDavid's centering pass before Nick Cousins tied the game early in the second with a breakaway goal after stealing the puck.

Hyman restored the Oilers' lead on a power play at 14:05 of the second, scoring on a rebound. Adam Henrique added an insurance strike at 1:38 of the third, finishing Mattias Janmark's pass after a defensive mistake.

Stuart Skinner made 21 saves for Edmonton, who have won three straight games. Linus Ullmark started for Ottawa, while Leevi Merilainen stopped 12 of 14 shots in relief.

Before Sunday’s game, the Senators had won six straight and were 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. They held the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 18-13-2 record and 38 points.