Well, there is news in Ottawa Senators land, and it revolves around the goaltending. Tonight versus the New York Rangers, Leevi Merilainen is getting the call between the pipes. Backing him up, will undoubtedly be James Reimer. It is tough to think as a Sens fan how we would end up here, you know, at the beginning of the season. But here we are. There is further word, too, that Linus Ullmark will return on January 18th. That seems more like a report, at this time, but it would make sense. After all, he has begun skating. Let’s discuss the bigger situation heading into tonight’s matchup.
The Ottawa Senators News and Rumours Intertwine Yet Again
Ottawa is in the midst of a tough, underwhelming 2025-26. When you look at it, missing Brady Tkachuk, and struggling so much since he returned has been almost mysterious. Moreover, the main reason we default to for the Sens season long struggles, has been goaltending. In contrast, how could it really be that bad? Last year, it was a definite strength of the group. Some shift to blame the Sens offence and taking advantage on their high expected goal numbers. But back to the goalies for a minute.
There’s been 56 goalies who have appeared in 15 games or more this season in the NHL. Sounds about average. Linus Ullmark is 48th in save percentage of unblocked shots, and Merilainen is 55th, (.942% and .935%, respectively). So, there is a lot of truth to the statement.
What Else is Happening for Tonight’s Game
That is why general manager Steve Staios went out and signed James Reimer. Having him back up tonight’s game is a huge deal. In addition, once Ullmark returns, it will a signal a calm to the group.
The Sens were strong last game with the combination of Lars Eller in the lineup, and David Perron and Nick Cousins. One interesting aspect of the Sens current lineup is the timing of replacements. Nikolas Matinpalo and Kurtis MacDermid are the type of valuable players when it comes to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Furthermore, their toughness and ability to command control are very respected.
For comparison, Jonathan Quick gets the call in the pipes for New York. He comes in with a 3-9-2 record on the season. He also an .898 save percentage and a 2.80 goals-against average this season. If you go back to 2021-22, and don’t count this season’s record, Quick has had 68-41-19 record, although that extends back to his days as a Los Angeles King.
More on the matchup is this a battle of Eastern Conference eighth-place teams. There are late rumours that New York might turn into sellers. It would make sense for many of their core players. Artemi Panarin may be asking more (term) than he deserves at this stage. But guys like Vincent Trocheck, and from a prospect perspective, are valuable committees to cup contenders.
Either way, this is a possible swing game for both teams. It will be a tightly-contest game tonight from the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro – Imagn Images
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