The Senators star goalie has missed the last three games due to injury.
Last weekend, when asked about goalie Linus Ullmark's absence from practice, Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green told the media that it was a maintenance day.
Ullmark hasn't played since then, and now, three games and a week later, Green isn't sure if Ullmark will be able to make the three-game road trip, which starts Tuesday night in Salt Lake City against the Utah Hockey Club.
After an exciting 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday afternoon, the Sens have three days until their next game. So Green was asked by the media (Murray Pam) if Ullmark would be available for the upcoming road trip.
"Possibly," Green said without elaborating.
So, what we thought was a maintenance day has become a three-game absence, and today, Green didn't rule out that it might become six. Fans have every right to be unsettled by that, especially after enduring two frustrating seasons of never knowing what was up with Matt Murray.
Ullmark practiced with the Senators yesterday and sounded cheery and upbeat, leading to speculation that he's close to returning. But he isn't going to rush things, either.
Ottawa Senators Goalie Linus Ullmark Shares Details About His Injury Situation
"I think it's a fine line when you're talking about pushing through things and being stupid. It's a very fine line because you don't want to go out there when you're not ready or in a good spot, as you could either make it worse or set yourself back multiple weeks."
The win on Saturday, with Anton Forsberg in goal, improved the Sens' record to 3-2 on the young season.
In a perfect world, the Senators would keep winning so that Ullmark would have all the time he needs to heal fully without feeling any pressure to return. But asking or speculating about return dates is futile. Ullmark will be back when he's back.
Could it be in Salt Lake on Tuesday? Could it be a month from now? Two months from now?
"Possibly."