The Ottawa Senators face a challenging five-game road trip without their two primary goaltenders, Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg. Head coach Travis Green confirmed Ullmark's absence due to ongoing back tightness, which forced him to leave a game against the Edmonton Oilers. Forsberg, sidelined since mid-December, is not yet ready to return, although he is traveling with the team. To address the goaltending void, the Senators have recalled Leevi Merilainen and Mads Sogaard from their AHL affiliate.
The Senators have shown promising form recently, boasting an 8-2-1 record in December and pushing for a playoff spot for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Ullmark's impressive 7-0-1 record had significantly contributed to this momentum. As they prepare to face the Winnipeg Jets, the Senators will need to rely on their depth in goal and maintain their strong defensive play to stay competitive.
Captain Brady Tkachuk expressed confidence in the backup goaltenders, emphasizing the team's commitment to playing a solid game regardless of who is in net. With a series of tough matchups ahead, including games against the Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, and St. Louis Blues, the Senators are determined to keep their playoff hopes alive, focusing on teamwork and resilience in the face of adversity.
