Ottawa Senators’ Goaltending Dilemma
In the eyes of many, the Ottawa Senators find themselves grappling with an unexpected and serious dilemma this season: a critical shortage of dependable goaltending. At the outset of this NHL campaign, few would have anticipated that the team, which recently ended an eight-year playoff drought largely thanks to outstanding performances by its goalies, would soon be in such disarray.
Last Season’s Success
Last year, a triumvirate of netminders—Linus Ullmark, Anton Forsberg, and Leevi Meriläinen—contributed to an exceptional defensive record that included ten shutouts, a feat that put them in league with the Winnipeg Jets and reigning Hart Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck. Moreover, they boasted a commendable seventh-best team save percentage of .902.
Current Goaltending Concerns
Yet, as the Senators approach the halfway mark of the 2024-25 NHL season, their goaltending concerns have grown glaringly apparent. Currently, they sit at the bottom of the league in team save percentage, a disappointing .871, especially stark when measured against their 14th position at the same stage last season.
The situation has been exacerbated by Ullmark’s personal leave since December 29, leaving Meriläinen to shoulder the starter’s role during a struggling second year in the league. Regrettably, Meriläinen’s performance has been subpar; with 44 goals allowed and a dismal .869 save percentage over 14 games, he stands among the goliaths of the league but at an unfortunate low. Likewise, Ullmark’s .881 save percentage through 28 games places him 31st out of 32 eligible goalies.
Management’s Response
This stark downgrade from last year’s achievements, when Ullmark had a .910 save percentage and Meriläinen a stellar .925, is unacceptable. The duo’s performance has been increasingly detrimental to the Senators, resulting in a significant loss of points in the standings—leading management to reconsider their stance on goaltending.
While Steve Staios, the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, attempted to reassure fans about the team’s depth in goal at a mid-season press conference, it is likely that worry is brewing in the background.
Impact on Team Performance
Despite possessing a solid roster in other vital areas, including ranking second in shots against per game and fourth in shots per game, inconsistent goaltending could prove a catastrophic hindrance to playoff aspirations. Enter 30-year-old Hunter Shepard: he was recently tested in relief but failed to instill confidence during a loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Meanwhile, Mads Søgaard was called up to join the squad as they head out on a brief road trip, hoping to inject fresh energy into the lineup.
His record from last season is hardly stellar, allowing eight goals in just two NHL appearances, and this year’s less-than-ideal record in Belleville offers little assurance. However, in a glimmer of hope, Søgaard exhibited promise in the previous season with an 18-9-3 record and .916 save percentage.
Urgency for a Solution
The Senators urgently need a remedy to their ongoing goalie crisis, as their chances of postseason play dwindle amidst the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference, where just four points separate them from a wild-card spot and several contender teams.
The Senators’ recent run—boasting a 7-5-1 record over their last 13 games—has been fueled by standout performances from players like Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson. If the goaltending can improve even to league average, there will be a palpable pathway back to playoff contention.
With the urgency mounting by the day, it is clear that Ottawa must seek a solution, whether from Ullmark, Meriläinen, Søgaard, or possibly via a new trade acquisition. The time for action is now; the Senators’s quest for a reliable goaltender could define the latter half of their season.
