When the Ottawa Senators traded away Joonas Korpisalo to help acquire Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins in June 2024, it finally appeared the Senators found their number one goaltender after years of poor goaltending.
Ullmark won the 2023 Vezina Trophy and revitalized his career in the three years he spent with the Bruins. Heading into the 2024-25 season, Ullmark was going to be the key factor in determining the Senators' season.
Prior to opening night, the Senators signed Ullmark to a four-year extension and it appeared to be a win on both sides, especially after Korpisalo played poorly in his Bruins debut. After Ullmark shined in his Senators debut, it appeared the Senators hit the jackpot with trading for Ullmark. Now, Ullmark's play has been a huge concern.
Ullmark's poor goaltending is drawing major concern for the Senators
Last night, the Senators fell 5-2 to the Edmonton Oilers. It was the first time this season in which the Senators fell three games in a row. A big part of the Senators' loss was due to Ullmark's play.
Ullmark allowed in five goals against the Oilers, but it was the second consecutive start in which Ullmark allowed in five goals, and three of the five goals came in the first period. Last Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers, Ullmark allowed in five goals on 19 shots on goal by the Flyers.
In 10 starts this season, Ullmark has allowed in five goals in four different starts, but now his play has gotten extremely concerning. Next season, Ullmark's extension begins at $8.25 million per year, and his salary could be a major concern if he continues to play the way he plays.
Ullmark has a 4-5-1 record with a 2.99 goals against average, but his save percentage has dropped significantly to .884. Ullmark's backup Anton Forsberg is 3-4-0 in his eight starts, but has a 2.76 goals against average and .903 save percentage. Forsberg has struggled over the past two seasons, but has played better so far this season.
Without a doubt, Ullmark needs to be better in order for the Senators to win. The Senators can't have Ullmark allow in five goals in two consecutive starts. Allowing in five goals in two consecutive starts can cause a team and fan base to panic and be heavily concerned.
If head coach Travis Green sees the Senators being over .500 in early December, playing Ullmark for the rest of the home stand might have to be an option in order for Ullmark to turn his season around.
The Senators host the Vegas Golden Knights tomorrow night at 7 p.m. ET. Ullmark started against the Golden Knights on Oct. 25, and the Golden Knights was one of the four games in which Ullmark allowed in five goals.