Maybe Linus Ullmark could’ve used a few more days off.
In his first start since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, the Ottawa Senators netminder was pulled in the second period of Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens after he allowed five goals on just 15 shots.
Anton Forsberg came in to replace Ullmark in what ended up as a 5-2 win for the Canadiens.
Brendan Gallagher, Cole Caufield, Patrik Laine, Josh Anderson and Juraj Slafkovsky scored for the Canadiens. Jake Snaderson and Tim Stutzle replied for the Senators.
Ullmark made only one appearance for Sweden at the 4 Nations when he replaced Filip Gustavsson in the second period of Sweden’s overtime loss to Finland. He made 15 saves on 17 shots in the loss last Saturday.
He was expected to start Sweden’s final game of the tournament against the U.S., but was a late scratch because he was feeling under the weather. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Swedes were battling flu issues as forwards Rickard Rakell and Mika Zibanejad also missed the game against the Americans.
Saturday’s early hook against Montreal was the first time Ullmark had been pulled due to performance since Nov. 1, 2022.
Ullmark came into Saturday’s action with a 2.49 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 25 games for the Senators this season. The 31-year-old goaltender missed time earlier this season due to a back injury.
The Senators acquired Ullmark in a blockbuster deal with the Boston Bruins in June.
After Saturday’s game, the Senators don’t play again until Wednesday.
