When Linus Ullmark began the 2024-25 season, he was going to be the key factor to determine the Ottawa Senators' success. However, despite winning a Vezina Trophy two seasons ago, this season has had highs and lows.
Ullmark started the season off strong by winning his first start as a Senator, then had some inconsistencies to close out October that carried into early November. Ullmark recorded his first shutout as a Senator against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Nov. 12, but then his worst stretch began.
In a four-game span following the shutout, Ullmark allowed in 17 goals in four starts. In two of those starts, Ullmark allowed in five goals. Since earning the loss on Nov. 23 against the Vancouver Canucks, Ullmark has been hot to keep the Senators alive in the Eastern Conference. However, a deeper dive may show why he's been hot lately.
Ullmark has won four of his last five starts, but they've come against weak teams
Over the past five games he's started in between the pipes, Ullmark has posted a 4-0-1 record. Ullmark has lowered his goals against average to 2.70 this season. However, the four teams Ullmark faced during the five-game stretch may have helped him gain his confidence back.
Ullmark's last five starts:
Win on Nov. 27 @ San Jose Sharks (36 saves on 39 shots on goal)
Shootout loss on Dec. 1 @ Anaheim Ducks (31 saves on 34 shots on goal)
Win on Dec. 5 vs Detroit Red Wings (19 saves on 19 shots on goal)
Win on Dec. 7 vs Nashville Predators (36 saves on 36 shots on goal)
Win on Wednesday vs Anaheim Ducks (31 saves on 32 shots on goal)
Having four games with at least 30 saves and allowing in one goal in the past three starts is strong for Ullmark. However, one thing is common in all five of the games.
As of Dec. 13, all four of the teams Ullmark faced are under .500 this season. The best team in the standings as of now are the Sharks with a current 11-16-5 record (27 points).
Ullmark has struggled against some of the better teams in the NHL. Against the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 25, the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 14 and the Edmonton Oilers on Nov. 19, three teams who would all be in the 2025 playoffs if the season ended today, Ullmark allowed in five goals in each game.
While it's important that Ullmark is hot right now, it's just as important for Ullmark to play his best hockey against the top teams in the NHL. The Senators have 10 of the next 11 games on the road. Of those 11 games, six teams would be in the 2025 playoffs (Hurricanes, Canucks, Oilers, Jets, Wild and Stars) if the season ended today.
Ullmark will get the start in goal against the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at 7 p.m. ET. The Hurricanes are currently in third place in the Metropolitan Division with an 18-9-1 record, including an 11-3-0 home record.