David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Senators' Linus Ullmark Makes Admission After First Game Back from Personal Absence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 10:54 AM ET

The Ottawa Senators entered Saturday night looking to build on their recent momentum ahead of the Olympic break, carrying a two-game winning streak but still having questionable postseason hopes.

The focus, however, centered on the crease rather than the standings, as Linus Ullmark started his first game since late December after stepping away from the team for personal and mental health reasons.

For more than a month, Ullmark worked his way back through practices, conditioning and conversations with the organization before feeling ready to return. Saturday marked Ullmark’s first appearance in 35 days, and the reception at Canadian Tire Centre reflected the significance of the moment.

Fans greeted him with a standing ovation during warmups and again when his name was announced in the starting lineup as the Senators aired a tribute video, per The Athletic's Julian McKenzie.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (35).John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Ullmark settled in quickly, making early saves to find his rhythm. The netminder finished the night with 26 saves in a 4–1 victory over the New Jersey Devils, earning the game’s first-star honor in his return.

“At the end there, also during lineup, it was really hard holding it together,” Ullmark said. “I didn’t want to hold it together, also. It’s one of the things I’ve been working on, letting the feelings flow a little bit.”

The Senators provided timely support, with Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Cozens, Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto each scoring a goal. Ottawa improved to 26–21–7 and extended its winning streak to three games.

Linus Ullmark gets the W in his first game back from his leave of absence, and was overcome with emotion as he was announced the 1st star of the game pic.twitter.com/ZEAyXFSySW
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 1, 2026

Ullmark admitted that the nerves never fully disappeared, even as the game progressed.

“It felt like I came out of retirement,” Ullmark said. “It’s been a battle coming back, feel like I’ve been gone for so long that there was an excitement. I was nervous, which I haven’t been in a long time, and that’s a positive.”

Ottawa has three games remaining before the Olympic break as it continues to chase the final wild-card spot, currently eight points out of the postseason picture. The Senators visit the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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