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The Ottawa Senators have made a habit of dealing with setbacks this season, and they'll face their biggest one in the new year.
General manager Steve Staios announced Sunday that goaltender Linus Ullmark is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, forcing Ottawa to turn to Leevi Merilainen as the club fights to stay in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
While Ullmark's play has been inconsistent this season, his absence leaves a significant void for the Senators.
The 32-year-old has 14 wins in 28 games this season, a 2.95 goals-against average and an .881 save percentage.
He started Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs and was removed after allowing four goals on 14 shots.
“Out of respect for Linus, we will not be making any further comment,” Staios said.
But Ullmark's teammates offered their full support Monday morning before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“I think the only thing we can do here as a team is be there for him the whole time and support him as best we can,” alternate captain Thomas Chabot said. “And I know the whole team is going to do it. So, no matter how long it takes, I think that's all that matters at this point.”
“Yeah, there are hockey games and everything, but I mean, there are things in life that are much more important than a hockey game, so that's what's important right now.”
Captain Brady Tkachuk added that Ullmark can count on the full support of the team and organization at this time.
“For us as teammates, he’s always there for us, and no matter what he’s going through, he knows we’re always there for him,” Tkachuk said.
“He is such an important part of our team on and off the ice that we are always there for him.”
Merilainen is stellar instead of Ullmark a year ago
Now Merilainen will be able to take on the burden of further work. The 23-year-old has a 4-6 record and .874 save percentage in nine starts this season.
Merilainen was given the backup job after his stellar performance last season when he replaced the injured Ullmark last December. During that time, Merilainen posted an impressive 7-2-1 record and three shutouts.
Given the tight Eastern Conference standings and the fact that the Senators (18-14-5) are currently outside the playoff picture, the team will be counting on Merilainen to be in top form.
“He doesn’t talk much, but he’s a cold-blooded killer,” Tkachuk said of Merilainen. “I wouldn’t say you never know, but he’s an ultra-athlete. He wants to win so bad. He's not going to be the loudest guy in the room, but it just shows how much he competes, how much he fights and how much he wants to win.”
Merilainen will start against Columbus, and Hunter Shepherd was recalled from the American Hockey League's Belleville Senators to back him up.
The Senators have largely held their own this season despite numerous injuries, including a thumb injury that forced Tkachuk to miss 20 games earlier this season.
Chabot says Ullmark's absence will be no exception.
“It’s part of the NHL,” Chabot said. “You're going to be missing some players, some important pieces in the lineup, and it's up to the group in front of him to step up and play even better hockey, and I think part of that for us is making sure we make sure we win some hockey games to make life even better for Linus during this time.”
Senators received good news on Monday. Defenseman Tyler Kleven returns to the lineup after missing three games, and forward Shane Pinto, who missed 10 games, will be a game-time decision. Pinto took part in his first full training session on Sunday.
Defenseman Nick Jensen will be a healthy scratch.
