Ullmark Leads Sens to Finish Successful Homestand
On Saturday night, the Ottawa Senators are set to host the New Jersey Devils in what marks their final home game before the Olympic break. Linus Ullmark will be returning to the ice for his first start in 35 days.
Ullmark’s Return
Prior to his absence, Ullmark boasted a record of 14 wins, 8 losses, and 5 overtime losses. He also had a save percentage of .881 and a goals-against average of 2.95. His teammates express enthusiasm about his return.
- Drake Batherson: “It’s huge, obviously it’s been a while, good to have him around here.”
- Tim Stützle: “He’s been working really hard to come back.”
Team Performance and Strategy
The team acknowledges the importance of performing well in front of their goalies to boost their confidence. Stützle emphasized the need for a structured play to limit high-quality scoring chances for opponents.
Player Updates
In addition to Ullmark’s return, Stephen Halliday is expected to rejoin the Senators lineup after recovering from an upper-body injury. Halliday missed Wednesday’s game but made an impact during Sunday’s matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, where he recorded his first three-point and multi-goal game.
Halliday shared his insights, stating, “I just kind of tried to get better… I thought the growth of my game has really grown, especially the details.” His commitment during his time in the minor leagues helped refine his skills for the NHL.
As the Senators prepare to face the Devils, they look to build on their recent successes and finish their homestand on a high note. Ullmark’s stint in goal and Halliday’s return are poised to play significant roles in this vital matchup.