BUFFALO – If Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark had suffered any setbacks in his rehab following double-hip surgery in April, the worst-case scenario would’ve been a return to the ice in January.
But the Swede, 22, recovered quickly enough to join full practices a month ago and earn three starts with the Rochester Americans this month.
Ullmark dazzled in the AHL, making 38 saves in his debut and 43 on Wednesday. Incredibly, just three games into his North American career, he’s already in the NHL.
The Sabres recalled the 2012 sixth-round pick this morning and sent backup Nathan Lieuwen, who hasn’t played in two weeks, back to the Amerks.
Goalie Chad Johnson will start tonight’s tilt against the 7-0 Montreal Canadiens inside the First Niagara. But the Sabres also host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday. Could Ullmark start then?
“How far away is that?” Sabres coach Dan Bylsma asked this morning.
Obviously, Bylsma wouldn’t answer the question. But sooner or later, Johnson, who has played every game this season, will have to rest. The Sabres might want to use Ullmark, arguably their top goalie prospect.
Of course, this could also be a short recall to get Lieuwen some game action and Ullmark a taste of the NHL.
Either way, Ullmark’s “super excited.”
“It’s like a dream come true,” he said. “You’re always thinking about this when you’re growing up, and now I’m here, and I’m really excited.”
Ullmark said he received the news Thursday when he was out eating. He couldn’t tell his family members because they were at home in Sweden sleeping.
Check back later for more on Ullmark, who went 1-2 with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage in Rochester.
In other news, expect to see Bylsma use some new lines tonight. He used these this morning:
– Evander Kane, Ryan O’Reilly, Sam Reinhart
– Tyler Ennis, Jack Eichel, Brian Gionta
– Matt Moulson, Zemgus Girgensons, Marcus Foligno
– Nick Deslauriers, Johan Larsson, Jamie McGinn
Center David Legwand, a healthy scratch last game, could also play. Bylsma said the lineup would be decided later.
I say start him tonight. Throw him into the fire and see what he’s got. Start Johnson in the more winnable game. They need points. If they go Johnson tonight and lose, they could lose the whole weekend. I say put him in when you least expect to win and test him.