Ottawa sends Ullmark to IR after lower-body injury
Ottawa placed starting goaltender Linus Ullmark on injured reserve after he left Wednesday's win over Florida with a lower-body issue. Ullmark had been 7-1-0 with a .945 save percentage and 1.33 goals-against average. Samuel Ersson will take on a larger role, and Jonas Johansson was recalled as backup.
Ottawa beat Florida 5-1 Wednesday as Brady Tkachuk scored first against his former club in his first game back at Canadian Tire Centre since his summer trade request was granted. Linus Ullmark left in the third with Ottawa ahead 3-1 after team medical staff examined him; Samuel Ersson finished and faced one shot.
Ullmark stopped 17 of 18 shots, improving to 7-1-0 with a .945 save percentage and 1.33 goals-against average, early Vezina Trophy-caliber numbers. Ottawa placed him on IR Thursday. Ersson, acquired from Philadelphia, is 0-2 with an .831 save percentage and 4.70 GAA; Jonas Johansson, obtained from Tampa Bay, was recalled.
The injury could affect the Senators’ competitiveness and fan engagement in Ottawa, while giving Ersson and Johansson added responsibility and pressure. Ullmark’s absence may also influence opponents’ game plans and fantasy hockey managers, though the broader public impact is likely limited to the hockey community.