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The Ottawa Senators have frequently navigated challenges throughout the current season, and as they approach the new year, they face their most significant hurdle to date.
On Sunday, General Manager Steve Staios disclosed that netminder Linus Ullmark will be absent due to personal matters, compelling Ottawa to rely on Leevi Merilainen while the team strives to remain competitive for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Despite Ullmark’s erratic performance over this season, his unavailability creates a considerable gap for the Senators.
This season, the 32-year-old has accumulated 14 victories across 28 appearances, posting a 2.95 goals-against average and a .881 save percentage.
He began Saturday evening’s match facing the Toronto Maple Leafs but was removed from play after conceding four goals from 14 attempts.
“In deference to Linus, we will refrain from providing any additional statements,” Staios stated.
Nevertheless, his teammates extended their complete backing to Ullmark on Monday morning, prior to their match facing the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“I believe the sole action we, as a squad, can take now is to stand by him throughout this period and offer our utmost assistance,” commented alternate captain Thomas Chabot. “And I am certain the entire team will do so. Therefore, regardless of the duration, I feel that is what truly counts at this moment. “Indeed, there are hockey contests and such, but, truly, certain aspects of life far surpass the importance of a hockey game, and that is what is paramount currently.”
Captain Brady Tkachuk further mentioned that Ullmark could anticipate the unwavering backing of both the team and the organization during this period.
“As his fellow players, our role is simply to consistently be present for him, so he understands that no matter what challenges he’s navigating, we are always here,” Tkachuk explained.
“He represents such a vital component of our squad, both during play and away from it, which is why we perpetually stand by him.”
Merilainen’s remarkable performance substituted for Ullmark last year
Merilainen is now expected to undertake the primary goaltending responsibilities going forward. The 23-year-old holds a 4-6 win-loss record and an .874 save percentage across nine starts this season.
Merilainen secured the reserve position after his outstanding showing last season, during which he deputized for an injured Ullmark in December. Over that period, Merilainen recorded a remarkable 7-2-1 standing and three clean sheets.
Given the close Eastern Conference rankings and the Senators’ (18-14-5) current position outside a playoff berth, the team will depend on Merilainen to deliver his peak performance.
“He’s not particularly talkative, yet he’s an intensely focused competitor,” Tkachuk remarked about Merilainen. “While one might not always perceive it, he possesses extreme competitiveness. He desperately desires victory. He won’t be the most outspoken individual in the locker room, but his play clearly demonstrates his competitive drive, his fighting spirit, and his strong will to triumph.”
Merilainen is slated to commence the game against Columbus, with Hunter Shepard being summoned from the American Hockey League’s Belleville Senators to serve as his reserve.
The Senators have mostly managed to maintain their standing this season despite facing multiple injuries, such as a thumb ailment that sidelined Tkachuk for 20 matches earlier in the current campaign.
Chabot stated that handling Ullmark’s unavailability will present a similar situation.
“This is characteristic of the NHL,” Chabot remarked. “You will inevitably be without certain players, key components of your roster, and it falls upon the collective group supporting him to elevate their game even further, and I believe a part of that for us also involves ensuring we secure victories to improve circumstances for Linus during this period.”
On Monday, the Senators were indeed met with some positive developments. Defenceman Tyler Kleven is rejoining the roster following a three-game absence, and forward Shane Pinto, sidelined for 10 games, will be assessed right before the match. Pinto participated in his initial complete practice on Sunday.
Blueliner Nick Jensen will be listed as a healthy non-starter.
