The Ottawa Senators are battling for the Wild Card spot in the East, and goaltender Linus Ullmark has been crucial in this run. He is the team’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, and he has finally addressed the external criticism regarding his unavailability for a pivotal game against Tampa Bay.
In a conversation with The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie, Ullmark opened up about the personal challenges he faced and the pressure regarding his absence from the matchup.
Linus Ullmark Opens Up After Criticism Over Missed Lightning Game
Ullmark addressed the reaction he faced after missing a late-March game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, offering a candid explanation of what he has been dealing with this season. The goaltender was in the lineup on Tuesday (a rematch) and made 28 saves in a 6-2 win against the Lightning, helping Ottawa strengthen its position in the wild-card race.
Speaking about the situation, Ullmark made it clear that his absence was not simply about rest. “I am broken, and I’m still not fully, completely healed,” he said, describing the ongoing nature of his recovery.
He explained that while physical injuries are often understood, his situation led to different reactions. “If we say (Thomas Chabot) has his injury, no one is going to question that. But just because I’ve been playing and all that, and all of a sudden I’m not available, people just started attacking me (saying), ‘Oh, he needs to play.’ He needs to be available. This is what we pay him for.”
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Ullmark added that he continues to work through those challenges daily while trying to remain available for the team. “I am very much trying my very hardest every single day to be there,” he said. “I was not having the best of days leading up to the Tampa game.”
Ullmark’s comments pointed to the mental side of the game, which can often go unnoticed during a playoff push.
Earlier this season, Ullmark stepped away from the team for 35 days due to mental health reasons before returning at the end of January. Despite that break, he acknowledged that the process is ongoing and not something that resolves quickly. His openness about the situation has also led to his nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which recognizes perseverance and dedication.
On the ice, Ottawa delivered one of its most complete performances in Tuesday’s game. Jake Sanderson scored twice, while Brady Tkachuk recorded four assists. Tim Stutzle added a goal and two assists as the Senators pulled away with five goals in the third period.
The win improved Ottawa’s standing as they hold a wild-card spot with only four games left. Their schedule includes key matchups, including a critical road game against the New York Islanders that could impact the final playoff picture.
