Linus Ullmark began a new journey Thursday night, leading the Ottawa Senators onto the ice in his first start with the team.
The 31-year-old skated between the pipes against a familiar Eastern Conference opponent in in the Florida Panthers. Ullmark, who was traded by the Bruins to the Senators in the offseason, went 3-0 against Florida during the 2023-24 season and picked up where he left off against the reigning Stanley Cup champions.
Ullmark allowed just one goal while making 30 saves, including five on the penalty kill, as the Senators earned a 3-1 win over the Panthers at Canadian Tire Centre.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Ullmark told TSN after the win. “Doesn’t matter which team we play out there but just hearing a crowd like this, I got goosebumps. … It’s a dream come true. What better way than to play hockey in Canada’s national capital?”
Ullmark emerged as the first star of the game for his sensational debut. The former Bruins netminder now joins his third team after six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres and three with Boston.
Story continues below advertisement
The Senators return to action against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night while the Bruins host the Los Angeles Kings in a matinee matchup the same day at TD Garden at 1 p.m. ET on NESN.
Featured image via Marc DesRosiers/Imagn Images