The Ottawa Senators experienced a day of mixed signals on the ice Wednesday at the Canadian Tire Centre, as a key defender inched closer to a return while the team's number one goaltender left practice early, sparking concern.
Chabot Nears Return After Setback
Defenceman Thomas Chabot participated in a full team practice for the first time since reinjuring a core muscle on November 24 against the San Jose Sharks. His presence was a positive sign for a team navigating a busy schedule of four games in six days before the NHL's holiday break, starting with a Thursday night matchup against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
While Chabot will not play against the Penguins, his return to game action is imminent. Coach Travis Green indicated the blueliner could be back in the lineup as early as Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks or Sunday on the road versus the Boston Bruins.
Chabot initially suffered the injury on November 11 against Dallas, causing him to miss three games. His return lasted just one game, as he aggravated the issue against San Jose after playing over 21 minutes. The re-injury occurred non-contact after he took a weak shot and immediately went to the bench.
Ullmark's Early Exit Raises Eyebrows
The optimism surrounding Chabot was tempered by the premature departure of starting goaltender Linus Ullmark. During a break in drills, Ullmark was seen having multiple discussions with head athletic therapist Dom Nicoletta. He subsequently left the ice early, accompanied by defenceman Jake Sanderson.
This development is particularly worrisome for the Senators given Ullmark's history. Around this time last season, Ullmark was sidelined for six weeks with a back ailment. Coach Green told reporters he was not immediately concerned about either player, but acknowledged the situation warrants monitoring, especially considering the club's injury troubles this season.
Senators' Injury List Remains Lengthy
The Senators are already operating without several key players, making Ullmark's status critical. The team's infirmary currently includes:
- Shane Pinto: The centre resumed skating Tuesday after leaving the December 2 loss to the New York Rangers. Green stated Pinto would be out a minimum of two weeks, targeting a potential return for the December 27 road game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Lars Eller: The veteran forward suffered a broken left foot after blocking a shot against the Columbus Blue Jackets a week ago. He is expected to be out for at least three more weeks, a significant loss given his solid contributions this season.
The potential return of Thomas Chabot represents a crucial piece of help for a defensive corps that needs stability. As the team prepares for a demanding stretch of games, all eyes will be on the health of Linus Ullmark, whose performance is pivotal to the Senators' success.
