The Ottawa Senators will face their upcoming game without starting goalie Linus Ullmark, who is sidelined due to flu-like symptoms, according to TSN’s Bruce Garrioch. This development was confirmed less than an hour before puck drop, prompting the team to adjust its roster for the match before the NHL pauses for the Winter Olympics. James Reimer will start in goal, with Hunter Shepard recalled from the AHL to fill the backup position.
James Reimer Steps Into Starting Role Amid Flu Absence
Reimer returns to the NHL scene following a mid-season professional tryout that earned him a one-year deal with Ottawa. So far this season, he has appeared in six games for the Senators, logging two wins and an .862 save percentage. Reimer also played one game in the AHL with a .786 save rate. These numbers mark a decline from last season’s performance, where he totaled 10 wins and an .883 save percentage across 24 NHL games with the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks. At 37 years old, Reimer continues to provide valuable experience in net, though Ottawa must remain cautious as they aim to extend their recent success, holding a 4-1 record over their last five outings.
Performance Struggles for Ullmark in First Full Ottawa Season
Ullmark’s form this year has been less consistent than expected from the former Vezina Trophy winner. In 30 games this season, he has recorded 16 wins but only achieved an .884 save percentage, marking his first NHL season below the .900 save mark. His prior ten seasons consistently maintained save percentages above this threshold, including his debut year with Ottawa last season, when he garnered 25 wins and a .910 save percentage in 44 games. That performance ranked seventh-best among NHL starters in save percentage last year.
Hunter Shepard Joins as Backup with Solid AHL Experience
Hunter Shepard, called up to backstop Reimer, has maintained a .888 save percentage along with six wins in 14 AHL games this season. His previous campaign with the Hershey Bears featured a .891 save percentage over 39 contests, showing promise as an NHL option when called upon.
Senators’ Standings and Future Outlook Post-Olympic Break
The late withdrawal of Ullmark suggests he is expected to be ready when the Senators resume play on February 26. Currently, Ottawa sits last in the Atlantic Division but is tied with the Florida Panthers in total points at 61. Despite their position near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Ottawa is unique among the lowest-ranked teams for posting a positive goal differential (+6), which offers some optimism as they look ahead beyond the Olympic hiatus.
Linus Ullmark won't play tonight. Flu-like symptoms #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) February 5, 2026
