Ottawa Senators Goaltender Linus Ullmark Stuns Senator with a Game Changing play, Head coach Travis Green Reacts with Shock Announcement concerning the…
Ottawa Senators Goaltender Linus Ullmark Stuns Team with Game-Changing Play; Head Coach Travis Green Reacts with Shock Announcement Concerning the Team’s Future
Ottawa, ON – In a season filled with highs and lows for the Ottawa Senators, goaltender Linus Ullmark delivered a moment that will be remembered for years to come—one that didn’t just save a game, but may very well reshape the trajectory of the entire franchise.
During Monday night’s matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Canadian Tire Centre, Ullmark executed a stunning, high-risk play late in the third period that left fans roaring, teammates speechless, and head coach Travis Green responding with a shocking announcement immediately following the game.
The Play That Stunned a Nation
With the Senators clinging to a 3-2 lead and under a minute left in regulation, the Hurricanes pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. The puck came loose behind the net, and instead of freezing it or safely passing to a defenseman—as most goaltenders would—Ullmark launched the puck down the ice, threading it perfectly between defenders and into the empty net, scoring a rare goalie goal and sealing a critical 4-2 win for Ottawa.
It was only the 14th time in NHL history that a goaltender scored a goal—and even more impressively, Ullmark became just the second goalie in franchise history to do so.
The arena erupted into chaos. Fans were on their feet. Teammates mobbed Ullmark as if he had scored a playoff-winning goal. But the magnitude of the moment extended beyond the highlight reel.
Travis Green’s Immediate, Unexpected Response
Following the game, head coach Travis Green surprised reporters and fans alike with an unexpected announcement in his postgame press conference.
“Tonight was more than just a win. It was a turning point,” Green said. “What Linus did wasn’t just brilliant—it was fearless. It showed leadership, poise under pressure, and frankly, the kind of edge we’ve been missing. That play changed how I see this team. So, effective immediately, Linus Ullmark is being named alternate captain for the remainder of the season.”
The announcement left the media room in stunned silence. A goaltender being named an alternate captain is extremely rare in the NHL due to league rules restricting goalies from wearing the ‘C’ or ‘A’ on the ice. Still, Green emphasized that the leadership title was symbolic—and well-deserved.
“He can’t wear the letter during games, but he’s earned that respect in our room,” Green added. “We need more players who lead by example like that.”
Ullmark’s Humble Reaction
Speaking with the media afterward, Ullmark, who joined the Senators via trade from Boston during the offseason, remained humble despite the historic night.
“I didn’t plan it,” he said with a smile. “I saw the lane, trusted my instincts, and went for it. I’m just glad it helped us get the win. The rest of it—alternate captain, the attention—I don’t think about that stuff. I just want to help this team win in any way I can.”
When asked how it felt to score a goal as a goaltender, Ullmark laughed.
“Let’s just say it’s harder than it looks,” he joked. “But it’s fun to surprise people now and then.”
A Turning Point in a Frustrating Season
The Senators have endured a rollercoaster season marked by inconsistency, injuries, and off-ice changes—including the mid-season hiring of Travis Green as head coach. But with Ullmark’s dramatic play and Green’s impromptu leadership decision, there’s a sense that the franchise may have found its emotional spark.
“This is what momentum looks like,” said veteran defenseman Thomas Chabot. “Linus gave us a jolt. You could feel it. That’s what leaders do—they make big plays in big moments.”
Fans and Analysts Weigh In
The hockey world quickly lit up on social media after Ullmark’s goal, with fans across Canada and beyond sharing clips and praising the bold play.
“That’s the kind of thing you’ll tell your grandkids about,” one fan posted on X. “Goalie goals are rare—but clutch goalie goals in a must-win game? Legendary.”
TSN analyst Craig Button described the moment as “season-defining,” adding, “It wasn’t just about skill—it was about guts. That goal could be the spark Ottawa’s been looking for.”
What’s Next for the Senators?
With just over 15 games remaining and Ottawa on the fringe of playoff contention, the pressure is mounting—but so is the excitement. Green confirmed that Ullmark will continue to start key games down the stretch and will have a bigger voice in the locker room moving forward.
“He’s earned it,” Green said. “And if the rest of the team can take a page out of his book, we’re going to be very dangerous in these final weeks.”
Whether the Senators make the postseason or not, one thing is clear: Linus Ullmark’s gutsy play has changed more than a game—it may have changed the team’s identity.