Linus Ullmark off IR, set to return to Senators net

Last Friday, it looked like Ullmark was close to coming back. He took part in the full morning skate, but even then he didn't sound sure about Saturday.

That doubt turned out to be right. Coach Green said he had to check with the medical staff first, and by Saturday morning's optional skate the Sens had decided against it. Samuel Ersson started against the Mammoth and Ullmark sat out 1 more game. Green's update was short: he's close.

Ottawa couldn't afford to rush this. Before Ullmark got hurt against Florida on October 21, he had been the best goalie in hockey: 7-1-0, a 1.33 GAA and a.945 save percentage, both first in the league. That's the former Vezina winner Ottawa thought it was getting, not last season's version who went.891 over 49 games. Without him the Sens went 4-4-0, which is about what you'd expect once your best player is in the press box.

Ersson did his job while Ullmark was out, going 3-1-1 with a.922 save percentage. Johansson didn't, going 1-2-0 with a.848. So on Sunday Johansson was the one sent down, and Ullmark came off injured reserve.

Johansson goes to Belleville, Ersson stays as the backup, and Ullmark looks like the guy for Tuesday. The roster move all but confirms it, though nobody has officially named a starter yet. Ullmark coming back cold off a lower-body injury is the one thing to watch. If he's anywhere close to his October form, the Sens' bad stretch is over.

The good news isn't only in net. Ridly Greig was on the ice Monday morning, another sign that Ottawa is getting healthier at the right time.

Bruce Garrioch

@SunGarrioch

Ridly Greig is on the ice this morning #Sens

Ottawa's hot start went flat once Ullmark got hurt, and now Greig is skating too. Ottawa still has to show it on the ice, starting Tuesday, but a healthy Ullmark puts the Sens back in the Atlantic race.