NHL: Ottawa Senators at Calgary Flames - Source: Imagn — Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark's injury might be concerning for the team (Source: Imagn)

Senators' roster move sparks concern around Linus Ullmark's injury status

Modified Dec 27, 2024 17:13 GMT

The Ottawa Senators recently made a roster move that raised concerns about the health of goaltender Linus Ullmark.

NHL insider Bruce Garrioch posted on X that Leevi Merilainen, Zack Ostapchuk, Cole Reinhardt and Mads Sogaard were recalled from Belleville. This suggests possible issues for both Ullmark and backup goaltender Anton Forsberg.

"This isn't good news for the health of Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg. Leevi Merilainen, Zack Ostapchuk, Cole Reinhardt and Mads Sogaard recalled from Belleville #Sens," Garrioch wrote on X.

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Linus Ullmark left the Senators’ game against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday after the first period due to an upper-body injury. He stopped six of seven shots in the first period but was replaced by Merilainen to start the second period.

Coach Travis Green explained that Ullmark’s back had tightened up, so it was better for him to leave the game.

“Upper body, his back tightened up, so I thought it was best if he came out,” Green said per NHL.com.

Travis Green later announced that Ullmark wouldn't be travelling for Ottawa's upcoming road trip because of a tweaked back.

The Senators are currently in a playoff spot with an 18-14-2 record. They will resume play on Friday as they prepare for the final stretch of their nine-game road trip.

The team will have important games ahead, and Ullmark’s health is key. He has been one of the best goalies in the league, posting an 8-0-1 record in his last 10 appearances, with a 1.48 goals-against average and a .952 save percentage.

Oilers dominated the Senators amid Linus Ullmark's injury

The Ottawa Senators lost 3-1 to the Edmonton Oilers, ending their six-game winning streak. Coach Travis Green said the team played well but came up short.

“A tough game tonight, tight checking both ways. We came up a little short,” he said per NHL.com.

Viktor Arvidsson scored the first goal for the Oilers at 14:26 in the first period. Nick Cousins tied the game early in the second, stealing the puck from Evan Bouchard and scoring on a breakaway.

Zach Hyman gave the Oilers a 2-1 lead on the power play at 14:05. He scored after a rebound off Arvidsson’s shot. In the third period, Adam Henrique made it 3-1 after a cross-crease pass from Mattias Janmark.