As the Ottawa Senators aim to salvage their season, they face daunting obstacles with their star goaltender, Linus Ullmark, out indefinitely. Following a disappointing 3-1 defeat against the Edmonton Oilers on December 22, Ullmark has yet to return to the ice. Coach Travis Green described his status as "week-to-week," leaving fans and management alike concerned over his uncertain return.

This season, Ullmark has been instrumental, boasting an impressive 12-7-2 record, a commendable 2.38 goals-against average, and a .915 save percentage. However, the team must now contend with his absence as they prepare for their pivotal match-up against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.

In addition to Ullmark's situation, the Senators will also be without veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic for two to four weeks due to a knee injury sustained during a recent loss to the St. Louis Blues. This double hit leaves Ottawa scrambling to adjust their strategies amidst an increasingly tight race for playoff spots. Currently holding the second wild card position in the Eastern Conference, the Senators are tied in points with several teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings are not far behind, making Tuesday's game vital for the Senators' playoff aspirations.

However, the Senators have struggled recently, losing four out of their last five games. Backup goaltender Anton Forsberg's performance has not been reassuring, showcasing a concerning 3.56 goals-against average with a poor .843 save percentage since November 25. Though rookie Leevi Merilainen has shown some promise with a 2-2-0 record, the pressure is mounting, and the Senators can't afford to hastily thrust him into the spotlight, especially with a 3.10 GAA and .884 save percentage that suggests he’s still finding his footing at the NHL level.

This leads to questions about potential trades. The NFL trade market for goaltenders appears lackluster, but names like Anaheim’s John Gibson, Montreal’s Cayden Primeau, and Buffalo’s James Reimer are being discussed. Surprisingly, reports indicate that Detroit might consider moving Ville Husso, but his substantial cap hit ($4.75 million) and the rivalry between the teams make this a complex proposition.

Ullmark's back issues have raised eyebrows, with insiders noting his history of similar problems. While the specifics remain murky due to NHL policy on injury disclosure, back injuries are notoriously erratic, contributing further to the team’s lack of confidence moving forward.

On a slightly brighter note, the Senators could see some reinforcements soon. Green confirmed that wingers David Perron and Michael Amadio, both sidelined with injuries, have returned to skating, a sign they may be rejoining the lineup shortly.

As the Senators navigate these tumultuous times, the clock is ticking, and the decisions made in the coming days could significantly impact their postseason hopes. Will they manage to secure crucial players or find a way to rally with their current roster? One thing is for certain—time is of the essence, and every point counts as they face off against fierce competitors in the hunt for a playoff spot.