The Ottawa Senators earned a huge 4-3 win against the Calgary Flames last night to snap a five-game losing streak. With the win, the Senators improved to 9-11-1.
A win at home was needed to gain momentum and confidence for the Senators before heading off to California for a three-game road trip.
As the Senators head to California for the next three games, the question is ringing of what goaltender will start for what game. With three games to play and a back-to-back as well, the plan on what goaltender should start in simpler than it looks for head coach Travis Green.
Forsberg should start in two of the three games in California
The Senators' three-game California road trip:
Tomorrow @ San Jose Sharks
Saturday @ Los Angeles Kings
Sunday @ Anaheim Ducks
In the win against the Flames last night, Anton Forsberg made 24 saves and made big saves late in the second period to keep the Senators lead at 3-2. Linus Ullmark has struggled lately with allowing in 17 goals in his past four starts. In two of his four starts, Ullmark allowed in five goals.
For tomorrow night against the Sharks, Green could roll with his winning goaltender from last night and decide to start Forsberg. Earlier this month, Green made the mistake of not starting Forsberg on Nov. 5 against the Buffalo Sabres when Forsberg recorded a shutout in the previous game. When Ullmark started against the Sabres, he allowed in five goals in the Senators' 5-1 loss.
Goaltenders will rarely start two consecutive games. With a back-to-back on the schedule, starting Ullmark against the Kings could be more ideal. On Oct. 14, Forsberg got the start against the Kings and it went ugly. Forsberg was pulled when he allowed in three goals on nine shots on goal. While the Senators did defeat the Kings 8-7 in overtime, Forsberg's poor goaltending against the Kings didn't go unnoticed.
Forsberg would conclude the road trip with starting against the Ducks in the final game of the road trip and the concluding set of the back-to-back.
This California road trip is important for the Senators to help gain momentum and climb back up in the Eastern Conference standings. Two of the three teams wouldn't make the 2025 playoffs in the Western Conference if the season ended today. The Senators do have a poor 3-6-0 road record, but a win last night can help the Senators have a new sense of confidence before heading back on the road.