Yahoo Sports Linus Ullmark Sighting: Ottawa Senators Goalie Works Out In Full Gear Before Friday Practice
Ottawa Senators starting goalie Linus Ullmark appears to be nearing a return to the lineup. Ullmark worked out in full gear before Friday morning's main practice.
The Hockey News' Graeme Nichols had eyes on Ullmark at practice this morning and reports that Ullmark looked fine, facing shots and going through what appeared to be his normal pre-practice routine.
Ullmark has been out of Ottawa's lineup since Dec. 22 when he left a game after one period of play in Edmonton with back tightness. It sounded precautionary at the time but turned out to be reasonably serious. This is Ullmark's second stint on the injury list. He missed a couple of weeks of action back in mid-October.
Ullmark has only ever started more than 41 games in a season once in his career. With 22 starts in 44 games this season, he's not likely to finish with a big number this year either.
The big positive is that Leevi Merilainen, who has emerged as the top option behind Ullmark, is providing the kind of goaltending that shouldn't force the veteran into rushing back. When he left, Ullmark was riding a hot streak of 8-0-1.
Image credit: Hockeyreference.com
Meanwhile, as Merilainen minds the store, he's done a pretty decent Ullmark impression, allowing a grand total of two goals in regulation over the past four games.
Image credit: Hockeyreference.com
It's not quite 2015 when Craig Anderson got healthy while Andrew Hammond was playing out of his mind. But it does have a little of that feel.
After a 1-0 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals on Thursday night, the Senators will host the Boston Bruins at 3 pm on Saturday afternoon. A win would vault the Sens past the Bruins into the final wild card spot.
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