After dealing with some nasty rumors earlier this season, Ottawa is now facing another challenge.
Just when it looked like the Ottawa Senators had calmed down, goalie Linus Ullmark finds himself in the spotlight again, but this time it’s not just mean comments from anonymous people online.
Earlier this season, Ullmark took a break from the team to focus on his mental health, as he was having panic attacks. While he was away, things went downhill fast on social media. Untrue and intrusive rumors spread, pulling both Ullmark and his wife, Moa Wikman, into a messy situation that involved claims of cheating and supposed problems in the locker room. Some rumors even suggested Ullmark had leaked private information about his teammates, including gossip about captain Brady Tkachuk.
The Senators reacted strongly. In a firm and clear statement, the team labeled the rumors “made up and untrue,” calling those who spread them “trolls and sick individuals,” and they reaffirmed their complete support for Ullmark while he was away.
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After he came back weeks later, the fuss quieted down. Ottawa came together as a team and started making progress, getting themselves into the playoff race.
Now, however, a new issue has come up, and it’s much more connected to the game.
SCRATCH THAT – IT’S NOW FIVE-NOTHING PANTHERS!
WHAT IS GOING ON 😱😵 https://t.co/RHsjyUHW4n pic.twitter.com/y0w0eeC06B
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 31, 2026
Over the weekend, Ullmark didn’t suit up for an important game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a match with huge playoff stakes. This decision raised questions right away, but former NHL player Jeff O’Neill really stirred the pot. On OverDrive, O’Neill expressed strong criticism of Ullmark’s choice to sit out, calling it “totally unacceptable” and questioning how a team’s top goalie could skip what he described as the “most important game of the year. ” O’Neill pointed out that even though Ullmark has faced significant struggles this season, the timing of his absence doesn’t make sense, especially with a weakened defense and a team fighting to secure their playoff spot.
O’Neill made it clear: when everyone else is dealing with injuries and stress, your top goalie can’t just say, “not tonight. ”
Linus Ullmark after allowing the 5th goal to Florida 😅😅😅 pic.twitter.com/3EXre6E6NM
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 1, 2026
Whether it’s right or wrong, this feedback has brought up concerns about leadership, responsibility, and timing in Ottawa’s locker room. Some fans are also curious about Ullmark’s health.
Things took a turn for the worse on Tuesday night, especially for Ullmark, when he was taken out of the game against the Florida Panthers after giving up five goals on 16 shots. It seems like something might be bothering Ullmark, who didn’t even seem upset about how he played.
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