When the Ottawa Senators traded for Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins in June 2024, the pressure for Ullmark to live up to his Vezina Trophy play was on more than ever.
Ullmark appeared to be on the right track after his first win as a Senator on opening night, but then an early injury happen when he missed a few games. When November arrived, concern around Ullmark grew after an overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Then, Ullmark had a hot December stretch to help get the Senators in a playoff position before the Christmas break before suffering an injury. Now, the confusing cycle of Ullmark's goaltending has hit again at the worst time.
Ullmark has horrible start against Colorado last night in middle of playoff push
Long story short, the Senators' 5-1 loss last night at home against the Colorado Avalanche was an awful game. However, the concern around Ullmark grew more in the middle of the Senators' chase for a spot in the 2025 playoffs.
Ullmark was pulled last night for the second time this season, but his start against Colorado was arguably his worst start of the season. Ullmark allowed in four goals on 13 shots on goal by Colorado.
With 2:31 remaining in the first period, head coach Travis Green pulled Ullmark for Anton Forsberg after Joel Kiviranta made the game 4-0. Forsberg made 18 saves in relief of Ullmark, but for a team's number one goaltender to get pulled in the first period can be an eye opener.
The Senators have seen Ullmark get hot in goal, but then go on cold stretches this season. Prior to his hot December surge where he posted a 7-0-1 record in an eight-game stretch, Ullmark allowed in at least four goals in six games, and allowed in five goals in four games.
When Ullmark returned from his injury in February, he allowed in 15 goals in his four starts for the month. One of the four games for Ullmark was against the Montreal Canadiens when he got pulled. Then, Ullmark went 6-0-1 over a seven-game stretch in March to help the Senators get in a playoff position. Ullmark won five consecutive starts, but is now experiencing another cold stretch.
Ullmark's start last night was the second consecutive game in which Ullmark has allowed in four goals. The Senators have lost their past two games with Ullmark starting after winning their past six consecutive games.
Prior to March, Ullmark was going to be heavily relied on in order for the Senators to have a serious chase for a playoff spot in 2025. Although Ullmark was a big help for the Senators to go 6-0-1 with him in his first seven starts of the month, the past two games have been a concern.
The Senators will return to action tomorrow against the New Jersey Devils on the road in another pivotal game for the playoff chase. Forsberg started both games against the Devils earlier this season and won one of them. Tomorrow's game is the third and final meeting between the two teams.