Ottawa Senators' Costly Crease Must Deliver in Critical NHL Stretch Run
As the Ottawa Senators battle for a second consecutive playoff berth, the spotlight intensifies on their high-priced goaltending duo. With the team's postseason aspirations on the line, netminders Linus Ullmark and James Reimer face mounting pressure to elevate their performances during the crucial final stretch of the NHL season.
Playoff Hinges on Goaltending Performance
The Senators' playoff destiny rests squarely on the shoulders of their crease protectors. Despite significant financial investment in the position, Ottawa ranks last in the league with a .871 save percentage across the organization. This statistical reality underscores the urgent need for improvement as the team prepares for a demanding back-to-back weekend against the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks at Canadian Tire Centre.
Ullmark's High-Stakes Situation
Linus Ullmark carries particular weight as the sixth-highest-paid goaltender in the NHL, earning $8.25 million annually through the 2028-29 campaign. His recent performance against the Montreal Canadiens—where he allowed three goals on 23 shots in a 3-2 loss—highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued Ottawa's netminding. Since returning from a December mental health leave, Ullmark has shown flashes of solid play but needs greater consistency.
Ullmark's current statistics include:
- 19-9-7 record
- 2.83 goals-against average
- .883 save percentage
Reimer's Recent Success Provides Hope
James Reimer offers a glimmer of optimism following his 16-save shutout against the Vancouver Canucks last Monday. That victory capped a successful five-game road trip where Ottawa posted a 4-0-1 record. Coach Travis Green typically withholds starting goalie announcements until game day, leaving both netminders preparing for potential starts this weekend.
Organizational Goaltending Investment
The Senators' $11.75 million US goaltending expenditure represents one of the league's most substantial crease investments. This figure includes:
- Ullmark's $8.25 million annual salary
- $1 million retained from Joonas Korpisalo's contract through 2027-28
- Levi Merilainen's $1.05 million salary in Belleville
- Mads Sogaard's one-way contract in the minors
Despite this financial commitment, the organization's goaltenders in Belleville have struggled with save percentages below .900 on a team that has surrendered a league-worst 214 goals in the AHL.
Weekend Challenges Ahead
With critical matchups against the Ducks and Sharks approaching, the Senators require standout performances from their netminders. The team's ability to secure playoff positioning depends heavily on whether their costly crease investment finally yields the dividends expected from such substantial financial resources.
The goaltending narrative will continue to unfold as Ottawa navigates the final weeks of the regular season, with every save potentially determining their playoff fate.
