Linus Ullmark left tonight's game against Florida after a routine save, and the Senators might be facing their worst-case scenario in goal.
He went down on what looked like an ordinary stop, stayed on the ice and struggled to get back to his feet.
It appeared to be a groin injury, and he left the game.
There's no official update yet.
Losing your starter mid-game is like the pilot leaving the cockpit at cruising altitude. Somebody's still flying the plane, but every passenger is suddenly paying attention.
The timing couldn't be worse. Ullmark has been Ottawa's best player, with a .945 save percentage.
If this turns into a long absence, it's a disaster. Ottawa doesn't have a real safety net behind him.
Samuel Ersson and a back-to-back put Travis Green in a tough spot
Samuel Ersson is the next man up, and his numbers don't inspire much confidence. He's at .829 and still looking for his first win in four games.
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The 27-year-old carries a $2,200,000 cap hit, backup money for a job that may suddenly be much bigger.
Travis Green also has a back-to-back to manage, with San Jose visiting Thursday and the Rangers coming in Saturday.
The Senators came into the night at 6-3-0, level with Florida at 12 points.
Tim Stutzle has carried the offense with five goals, but no forward can cover for a missing starter.
This was already an emotional night with Brady Tkachuk back in town. Now it's a nervous one too.
Ullmark carries an $8,250,000 cap hit, and Ottawa's season was built around him staying healthy.
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If the news is bad, the front office has to at least check the goalie market. Connor Hellebuyck's situation in Winnipeg comes to a head Friday.
How long will he be out? That answer decides whether Ottawa's season stays on track or starts to wobble before November.
Should the Senators trade for a goalie if Linus Ullmark's injury is serious?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Jets narrow Connor Hellebuyck trade talks to the Hurricanes, reports Darren Dreger
