Linus Ullmark's Triumphant Return Sparks Senators Victory Over Devils
In a heartwarming and impactful return to the ice, veteran goaltender Linus Ullmark made his first start since December 27th, leading the Ottawa Senators to a decisive 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. The sellout crowd of 18,319 at Canadian Tire Centre gave Ullmark a standing ovation as he returned from a 35-day absence for mental health reasons.
Standout Performance After Lengthy Absence
Ullmark delivered a masterful performance with 25 saves in his return to the net, demonstrating remarkable composure and skill after his extended break. The Senators' top goaltender had taken a leave of absence for mental health reasons the day after being pulled from a December 27th contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs, making Saturday's game particularly significant for both the player and the organization.
"He looked as if he hadn't missed a beat in the 16 games he was away," observers noted, highlighting Ullmark's seamless transition back to competitive play. The goaltender had returned to skating with the Senators two weeks prior and had dressed as a backup twice before earning the start against New Jersey.
Senators' Offensive Support and Defensive Challenges
The Senators provided ample offensive support for their returning goaltender, with captain Brady Tkachuk, Shane Pinto, Tim Stutzle, and Dylan Cozens all finding the back of the net. Cozens scored the crucial go-ahead marker on a power play just 37 seconds into the third period, while Pinto sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.
Ottawa faced defensive challenges during the game, finishing with only five defencemen after Thomas Chabot left with what appeared to be an injury to his right hand or arm. The club described his departure as precautionary, but it added another layer of difficulty to an already challenging matchup.
Special Teams Excellence and Controversial Call
The Senators' special teams played a pivotal role in the victory. Ottawa scored twice on the power play, including Cozens' decisive third-period goal, while their much-maligned penalty-killing unit held the Devils to 0-for-4 on their man advantages.
A controversial moment occurred with less than five minutes remaining when New Jersey's Connor Brown had a goal waved off. Officials determined that Brown's hand pass had deflected into the net off Ullmark's stick, preserving Ottawa's lead and momentum.
Ullmark's Strong History Against Devils
Ullmark entered the game with an impressive career record against the Devils, boasting a 12-5-0 mark in 18 previous meetings along with a 2.32 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. This historical success likely contributed to his confidence during his return performance.
Before his leave of absence, Ullmark had played in 28 of Ottawa's first 37 games, compiling a 14-8-5 record. His play had been trending positively in December, making his return particularly timely for a team looking to climb the standings.
Playoff Implications and Team Focus
The victory closed out a successful homestand for the Senators, who have now won three straight games. Despite the positive momentum, Ottawa faces significant challenges in the playoff race, entering Saturday's game 10 points back of the final wildcard spot in the NHL's Eastern Conference with only 28 games remaining.
"Ottawa players are trying not to look at the big picture and instead to focus on the next game alone," according to team sources, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their current momentum rather than becoming overwhelmed by the standings gap.
The emotional significance of Ullmark's return extended beyond the statistics and standings. The warm reception from fans and teammates alike highlighted the growing awareness and support for mental health in professional sports, making this victory about more than just two points in the standings.
