Last season, Linus Ullmark delivered a big season for the Ottawa Senators to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017. One of Ullmark's best moments from last season was when he recorded his first career playoff shutout in Game 5 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
After a playoff year, higher expectations were placed on Ullmark and the Senators for this season. Through 13 games, the Senators have a 6-5-2 overall record this season.
Although the Senators are in a current playoff spot, it does feel like the team is still struggling. In particular, Ullmark. And, a new ranking shows his struggles this season.
Ullmark named worst goaltender by MoneyPuck
Earlier this morning, MoneyPuck posted on X stats about which goaltenders are the worst so far this season. The stats were based on goals against, expected goals against, goals saved above expected and goals saved above expected per 60.
MoneyPuck ranked Ullmark as the worst goalie so far this season.
Ullmark's stats this season:
Goals against: 38
Expected goals against: 29.99
Goals saved above expected: -8.0
Goals saved above expected per 60: -0.719
There's no denying that Ullmark's struggles have been a concern. Ullmark has a 5-4-2 record with a 3.41 GAA and .861 save percentage in 11 starts this season. Ullmark's starts have been inconsistent this season.
In five of his starts, Ullmark has allowed in at least four goals. Even if Ullmark has a solid game to help the Senators win, a struggling start then is followed.
For example, Ullmark made 30 saves to help the Senators earn a win on Oct. 16 against the Seattle Kraken. Then, Ullmark allowed in five goals in a loss against the New York Islanders.
Ullmark allowed in one goal in back-to-back starts against the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals to help the Senators earn two wins. Then, Ullmark allowed in six goals against the Chicago Blackhawks in a loss the next game. After making 26 saves this past Thursday against the Calgary Flames to help the Senators win in a shootout, Ullmark allowed in four goals in an overtime loss last night to the Montreal Canadiens.
Ullmark has to be better for the Senators to be a better team. What still can be shocking to some is even with Ullmark struggling, the Senators are still in a playoff position.
It is still early November for Ullmark to turn his struggles around. If Ullmark delivers a better November, the Senators can get more confident with the goaltending.