Ottawa Senators Face Philadelphia Flyers Without Starting Goaltender Linus Ullmark
The Ottawa Senators will be missing their top netminder for Thursday night's crucial matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers. The team announced just hours before puck drop that goaltender Linus Ullmark has been scratched from the lineup due to illness.
Flu-Like Symptoms Sideline Key Player
According to the Senators organization, Ullmark is experiencing "flu-like symptoms" that will prevent him from taking the ice at Wells Fargo Center. This late scratch comes as the Senators prepare for their final game before the NHL's scheduled break for the Winter Olympic Games, adding significance to the timing of Ullmark's absence.
The announcement creates immediate challenges for Ottawa's coaching staff, who must now adjust their game plan without their primary goaltender available for this important Eastern Conference contest.
Backup James Reimer Steps Into Starting Role
With Ullmark unavailable, James Reimer will assume starting goaltender duties against the Flyers. Reimer's recent performances have been mixed, creating uncertainty about how he'll handle the increased responsibility:
- In his most recent appearance, Reimer allowed three goals on 18 shots during Ottawa's 4-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday
- Earlier in the week, he delivered a stronger performance with 14 saves in a 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins
- Reimer only recently returned from a personal leave of absence for mental health reasons, making this start particularly noteworthy
Organizational Depth Tested with Emergency Recall
The Senators have responded to Ullmark's illness by recalling goaltender Hunter Shepard from their American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville. Shepard will dress as the backup goaltender for Thursday's game, providing insurance behind Reimer in the Senators' net.
This emergency recall demonstrates how quickly NHL teams must adapt to unexpected roster changes, particularly at the goaltender position where depth can be tested by sudden illness or injury.
Playoff Implications for Struggling Senators
The timing of Ullmark's illness presents additional challenges for a Senators team already facing an uphill battle for postseason positioning. Ottawa currently sits eight points out of the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, making every remaining game critical to their playoff hopes.
Following Thursday's contest against Philadelphia, the Senators won't return to action until February 26th when they face the Detroit Red Wings. This extended break means Ottawa will have time to recover from any illness affecting their roster, but also creates pressure to secure points before the hiatus.
The absence of their starting goaltender against a division rival like Philadelphia represents a significant obstacle as the Senators attempt to close the gap in the playoff race during the season's final stretch.
