A shocking announcement has left the sports world abuzz: Senators' starting goaltender Linus Ullmark is taking an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons. This news has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering about the implications for the team.
General manager Steve Staios emphasized the organization's full support for Ullmark during this challenging time, but also maintained a respectful silence on the specifics of his absence.
"Out of respect to Linus, we will not be making any further comments," Staios stated.
While the details of Ullmark's leave remain undisclosed, the Senators have the option to designate him as a non-roster player during this period. This means that technically, he'll be listed as indefinite, with the reasons for his absence left to his discretion.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Despite Ullmark's struggles this season, with a record of 14-8-5 in 28 starts, an SV% of .881, and a GAA of 2.95, he has been a key part of the team's success in recent years. The 2023 Vezina Trophy winner, acquired in a blockbuster deal with the Bruins, has been a cornerstone of the Senators' playoff push.
However, his recent performance has been less than stellar, ranking among the worst starters in the league. MoneyPuck's statistics highlight his -11.5 goals saved above expected, which is the worst in the entire league.
And this is the part most people miss...
The Senators' top-10 offense and league-leading 2.22 xGA/60 at 5-on-5 have masked the poor goaltending performance to some extent. With an 18-14-5 record, the team has managed to stay in the playoff race, but the backup goaltending situation is dire.
Leevi Merilainen, the 23-year-old backup, has an even worse SV% of .874, leaving the Sens' chances of a second consecutive playoff appearance hanging by a thread.
So, who will step up in Ullmark's absence?
The Senators have several options from their AHL affiliate, Belleville, but it's highly likely they'll turn to sixth-year pro Hunter Shepard. Shepard has shown promise with a .905 SV%, 3.16 GAA, and a 5-5-1 record in 11 games.
The Senators face a challenging schedule ahead, with a four-game homestand against teams outside the playoff picture, followed by a road trip to face the Mammoth on January 8th.
Will Ullmark's return be in time to save the Sens' season? Only time will tell.
This story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the impact of individual players. It's a fascinating development, and we can't wait to see how the Senators navigate this challenging period.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the Senators can overcome this setback and make the playoffs? Let us know in the comments below!
