Sens Call Up Mads Sogaard as Backup Plans Shift Amid Ullmark's Uncertainty

In a surprising move, the Ottawa Senators have recalled young goaltender Mads Sogaard under emergency conditions as concerns grow over starter Linus Ullmark's status. Ullmark missed practice last Sunday, and although head coach Travis Green referred to it as a 'maintenance day,' the absence may lead to the former Vezina Trophy winner being sidelined for their upcoming home game against the Los Angeles Kings.

Details regarding Ullmark's condition remain under wraps, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the severity of the situation. The Senators are in a tight spot, especially given their competitive upcoming schedule.

In the meantime, Sogaard arrives with a promising AHL track record. He kicked off his season strong, remarkably conceding only one goal in his opening game, which ended in a narrow overtime loss for the Belleville Senators. His performance included an impressive streak of 27 consecutive saves, showcasing his potential as a fierce competitor. However, skepticism remains about his previous NHL outings, where he struggled, allowing three goals from just 18 shots in his last preseason match.

At 23 years old, Sogaard has been Ottawa's go-to third-string goalie for the last three seasons, amassing 27 games. His NHL stats reflect a rocky journey, with a mixed record of 10 wins, 10 losses, and 3 overtime losses, alongside a save percentage of just .884. Contrastingly, he has thrived in the AHL circuit, boasting an impressive 50-33-8 record and a steadier save percentage of .909 over 97 games.

As the Senators prepare for Monday's clash with the Kings, the focus remains on how Sogaard can step up in a critical moment. Will he rise to the occasion and prove he can be a reliable asset, or will the Senators need to rethink their goaltending strategy? Stay tuned for what could be a pivotal moment in the young goalie’s career.