Senators’ Travis Green publicly criticizes ex-Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark

Stuck in a tight playoff race, the Ottawa Senators traveled to Florida on Saturday to face the Tampa Bay Lightning, sitting just one point outside the final Eastern Conference wild card spot. Every point counts at this stage, and every game feels like a must-win.

The Senators got off to a strong start, leading 2-0 after the first period. But the momentum quickly shifted as Tampa Bay scored four unanswered goals, handing Ottawa a 4-2 defeat. Against a shorthanded Lightning squad, it felt like a missed opportunity the Sens can’t afford.

Much of the pregame chatter focused on Ottawa’s surprising goalie decision: James Reimer started instead of former Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark, who had played just two nights prior in a 4-3 shootout loss to Pittsburgh. After the game, head coach Travis Green didn’t hold back when explaining the decision.

“I want to play Linus every night,” Green said. “But he needed a rest, and he wasn’t available to start tonight.”

Acquired from Boston two summers ago in a trade that sent Joonas Korpisalo, Mark Kastelic, and a draft pick to the Bruins, Ullmark is now on an $8.25 million-a-year extension and is considered Ottawa’s best chance to make a playoff push. Earlier this season, he missed time for mental health reasons but returned to the lineup, making him a key player down the stretch.

Green’s comments, however, sent a clear message: even Ottawa’s top goalie isn’t immune to accountability. Fans will be watching closely to see how Ullmark responds and how the Senators navigate the remaining games of a tense playoff race.