In a thrilling 8-7 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Monday, the Ottawa Senators turned to Anton Forsberg and Mads Sogaard to fill in for the injured Linus Ullmark, who was unavailable due to a strain. Senators head coach Travis Green expressed confidence that Ullmark’s injury is not expected to keep him out for an extended period of time, with further updates to be provided on Tuesday.
“Lingus was stiff (Sunday). We don’t feel right playing him,” Green informed TSN 1200 before the game. “We want to check him out further with our doctors and we want to err on the side of caution.”
The setback with Ullmark has put a temporary halt to the anticipation surrounding his presence in the Ottawa goal. Acquired from the Boston Bruins in a trade deal back in June, Ullmark signed a lucrative four-year, $33 million contract extension with the Senators just last week before making his debut with the team. In his first two games, the 31-year-old goalie has a record of 1-1-0, with a save percentage of .914 and a 2.58 goals-against average. During his time with the Bruins last season, Ullmark played in 40 games, compiling a 22-10-8 record, paired with a .915 save percentage and a 2.55 GAA.
Forsberg got the start in Monday’s high-scoring game, letting in three goals on nine shots before Sogaard, who was called up on emergency basis earlier that day, took over and made 12 saves on 16 shots. Coach Green acknowledged the defensive lapses that led to seven goals against, mentioning, “We had three pucks that bounced in off of our own guys, probably a couple that we’d like to have back. But the resiliency that we showed, we’ve talked about that a lot since Day 1. Sticking with the process, and I like how we did that tonight.”
As the Senators prepare to face the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, the starting goaltender for the upcoming game remains uncertain. The team will be closely monitoring Ullmark’s condition while Forsberg and Sogaard stand ready to step up once again if needed.