Linus Ullmark sits vs. Red Wings as Senators turn to Samuel Ersson

The Ottawa Senators will be without Linus Ullmark on Tuesday night as they host the Detroit Red Wings, with the veteran goaltender not dressing after exiting his previous start. Head coach Travis Green told reporters before the game that Ullmark’s issue is not believed to be serious despite his early departure on Monday.

Ullmark left that game after a collision involving Boston Bruins forward JJ Peterka. Green said the netminder "tweaked something a little bit" and that the staff chose to remove him for precautionary reasons so he could be evaluated again rather than risk aggravating the problem.

With Ullmark unavailable, Samuel Ersson is slated to make his first start in a Senators uniform. Behind him, Jonas Johansson has been recalled from the AHL to serve as backup against Detroit, giving Ottawa a new tandem for at least one night.

Johansson recalled amid shifting crease picture

Johansson joined the Senators late last month in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning, a move that followed Ottawa losing goaltender Leevi Meriläinen on waivers to the Vancouver Canucks. The Swedish netminder allowed six goals over two AHL appearances last weekend as he began his stint in the organization’s farm system.

Last season, Johansson appeared in 25 games for the Lightning, posting a 3.29 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage. His recall gives the Senators experienced insurance while Ullmark’s status is monitored and Ersson steps into a starter’s workload on short notice.

Ridly Greig back from suspension

Up front, Ottawa also gets a boost with forward Ridly Greig set to make his season debut. Greig missed the first two games while serving a suspension for punching Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Sean Walker during last spring’s playoffs.

To open a spot for Greig, Hayden Hodgson will come out of the lineup as a healthy scratch. Between Ullmark’s absence, Ersson’s first start and Greig’s return, the Red Wings matchup will offer an early look at the Senators’ depth and adaptability across their roster.