Linus Ullmark's return to the Ottawa Senators' net has ignited a spark of hope in what has been a rollercoaster season, and the team's playoff fate now appears closely tied to his performance. After a seven-year playoff drought that ended in the 2024-25 season, the Senators are finding it difficult to secure a spot in the 2025-26 playoffs. Currently sitting seventh in the Atlantic Division after 54 games, the team is working to close an eight-point gap to clinch the final Eastern Conference Wild Card spot.

Ullmark's return from a leave of absence comes at a crucial juncture. In his first game back, he stopped 41 shots, showcasing the potential impact he can have on the team. While his raw save percentage for the season hovers around average, his "net saves" in that game, which account for shot quality, were significantly positive. This suggests that Ullmark has the ability to "steal" games for the Senators, something the team has lacked this season.

The Senators face a challenging road ahead. To seriously contend for a playoff spot, they likely need to achieve a run of approximately 15 wins and 5 losses in their next 20 games. Such a surge would put them in the range of 98-99 points, historically the typical threshold for a wild-card berth.

The team's performance hinges significantly on Ullmark's consistency. The Senators don't need him to perform at a Vezina Trophy-winning level every game, but they need him to be consistently average to above average. When Ullmark plays well, the team's overall game improves. The defense appears more organized, and the young forwards can focus on offense without the constant fear of defensive breakdowns. This stability could be the key to the Senators' success.

However, inconsistency in net could derail their playoff aspirations. Ullmark's performance can be streaky, and any prolonged slump could severely damage Ottawa's playoff chances.

The Senators recognized their need for stronger goaltending and acquired Ullmark from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Joonas Korpisalo, Mark Kastelic, and a first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Following the trade, Ullmark signed a four-year, $33 million contract with Ottawa.

The Senators' playoff hopes are closely intertwined with Ullmark's performance. While the team has shown promise in various aspects of the game, consistent goaltending is the missing piece that could propel them into a playoff position. The pressure is on Ullmark to provide that stability and help the Senators achieve their playoff goals.