In December, Linus Ullmark was one of the hottest goaltenders in the NHL. In an eight-game span, Ullmark went 7-0-1 with two shutouts. For the entire month, Ullmark recorded a 1.30 goals against average and .956 save percentage.
Ullmark's play was key to help the Senators climb up in the standings in December. Unfortunately for Ullmark, in the Ottawa Senators' final game before Christmas, Ullmark suffered an injury and he's been out ever since.
The Senators will play their final home game tonight against the Minnesota Wild before their four-game road trip before the 4 Nations Face-Off starts. Although Ullmark will not return to play behind an Ottawa crowd, head coach Travis Green provided a big update on Ullmark.
Ullmark will travel with team on road trip
Leevi Merilainen will get the start tonight against the Wild and Anton Forsberg will back up, but that doesn't mean Green couldn't provide a big update. Ullmark is still getting close to playing and Green said that Ullmark will come on the Senators' road trip.
Travis Green Green says Merilainen starts, Forsberg backs up and Ullmark is getting closer. He will come on the road trip.
— TSN 1200 Ottawa (@TSN1200) February 1, 2025
Senators four-game road trip:
Feb. 3 @ Nashville Predators
Feb. 4 @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Feb. 6 @ Tampa Bay Lightining
Feb. 8 @ Florida Panthers
Although Green didn't confirm the date of when Ullmark could play, the fact that Ullmark will come on the road trip is crucial. Although Merilainen has been a solid goaltender since Ullmark's injury and Forsberg has been solid over his last four starts, Ullmark is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL when he's on his game.
Ullmark's December stretch saved the Senators' season. If Ullmark didn't get hot when he did, it's unsure the Senators would have a chance to be in a playoff position at the moment with 58 points.
Ullmark has played against the Predators and Panthers this season. In each of those starts, Ullmark allowed in one goal. If Ullmark still isn't ready to return on the road trip, having more time to rest before the Senators' next game on Feb. 22 against the Montreal Canadiens could be an idea as well.