The Senators may have to keep waiting for Linus Ullmark to get back between the pipes.
According to Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch, Ullmark is unlikely to return to the lineup Saturday against Utah. The veteran goalie has been out a little more than two weeks with a lower-body issue, even though the original recovery window was listed at one to two weeks. He did take shots in practice today, which points to a return not being far off.
Before the injury, Ullmark was rolling. He won seven of eight starts and put up a 1.33 GAA with a .945 SV%, numbers that still lead the league early in the season.
Ottawa also looks set to be without Ridly Greig for a second straight game. Garrioch reports that Greig is expected to miss Saturday after being a late scratch in Buffalo on Wednesday because of a lower-body injury. Head coach Travis Green has labeled him day-to-day, and the winger has four points in 14 games this season.
In Detroit, the goaltending situation is murkier. MLive’s Ansar Khan notes that John Gibson is uncertain for Saturday’s game against Colorado as he deals with a lower-body injury. Michal Postava traveled with the club, but if Gibson is available, Postava would likely head back to AHL Grand Rapids.
Gibson has had a rough opening stretch with the Red Wings, posting a 3.46 GAA and an .860 SV% across his first 11 appearances. That’s not the kind of start anyone wanted for a goalie set to reach the open market this summer.
There is at least a little better news on the blue line. Khan also said Albert Johansson made the trip to Colorado, one day after it had been suggested he would not.
That indicates the defenseman is recovering from his undisclosed injury faster than expected. Johansson has one assist in 11 games this season and has been averaging just under 16 minutes per night.
In Other News...
Red Wings Just Exposed A Bigger Problem On This Road Trip
The Red Wings left Ball Arena with a 4-0 loss to the Avalanche, and the scoreline only told part of the story. Detroit had trouble generating much offense, while Colorado kept finding ways to tilt the ice in its favor, with Martin Necas, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar all part of the damage on a night when the visitors never found a rhythm.
What made the defeat sting was how quickly the game slipped away in the second period, when Detroits discipline became an issue and the Avalanche seized control. Daniil Tarasov was left to weather the pressure behind a team that could not stabilize, and with Andrew Copp and Moritz Seider among the players trying to steady things, the road trip suddenly looks like it has exposed more than just one bad night. [Read more 🡒]
Red Wings Prospect Is Forcing More Attention Than Detroit Fans Expected
Eddie Genborg is making a louder impression at the Five Nations junior tournament than many in Detroit probably expected. The Red Wings prospect has been one of Swedens most productive players through the early stretch, piling up goals and points while helping drive the offense in a setting where young players are trying to separate themselves from the pack.
Genborgs on-ice surge has only added to the attention around him, but he also drew notice for speaking out on an off-ice issue. He said he was surprised by the idea of Russia being allowed back into upcoming international tournaments, a stance that adds another layer to a prospect whose profile is rising for more than just what he is doing with the puck. [Read more 🡒]
Red Wings Roster Shuffle Shows Who Is Losing Ground Fast
The Red Wings made another round of roster moves, sending Michal Postava, Nate Danielson and John Leonard back to the Grand Rapids Griffins as they continue to sort out a lineup that has been under pressure from injuries and uneven depth. For Danielson, the assignment is a clear sign of how hard it has been to carve out a steady role in Detroit this season, with his opportunities limited and his production not yet matching the clubs hopes for him.
The timing matters because help is on the way. Detroit expects Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton to return from injured reserve during the upcoming road trip, which could tighten the competition for spots even further and leave the Red Wings with some difficult decisions about who stays in the mix. For players on the fringe, these kinds of moves can quickly turn into a test of patience as much as performance. [Read more 🡒]