Linus Ullmark made 41 saves Friday. ©2019, Hickling Images

Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark to start against Maple Leafs

TORONTO – Thanks to the Sabres’ late-game comeback and winger Conor Sheary’s exploits in Friday’s thrilling 4-3 overtime victory, goalie Linus Ullmark’s 41-save effort almost got overshadowed.

Ullmark, 25, was terrific all night, especially early as the Pittsburgh Penguins pumped 33 shots on him in the opening 40 minutes.

Fresh off that outing, it seemed like Ullmark might earn a well-deserved night off against the Maple Leafs.

But Sabres coach Phil Housley will start Ullmark tonight in Scotiabank Arena.

“We just felt the play of Linus last game deserved to get him back in the net,” Housley said. “He played well when he was in net here last time.”

Housley’s move isn’t without precedent. He started goalie Carter Hutton in Monday’s 5-3 loss here and again Tuesday in Philadelphia. Hutton, however, was pulled from Monday’s contest.

This will be the first time Ullmark has started games on back-to-back days this season.

The Sabres will make one lineup change tonight, inserting defenseman Marco Scandella, who missed Friday’s game with an upper-body injury, for Matt Hunwick.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *