Senators teammates backing goalie Linus Ullmark as he takes leave

The Ottawa Senators have made a habit of weathering setbacks this season, and they'll head into the new year confronting their biggest one yet.

General manager Steve Staios announced Sunday that goaltender Linus Ullmark is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, forcing Ottawa to turn to Leevi Merilainen as the club fights to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff mix.

While Ullmark's play this season has been inconsistent, his absence leaves the Senators with a significant void.

The 32-year-old has 14 wins in 28 games this season, a 2.95 goals-against average and .881 save percentage.

He started Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs and was pulled after giving up four goals on 14 shots.

"Out of respect to Linus, we will not be making any further comments," Staios said.

But teammates were offering their full support to Ullmark on Monday morning ahead of their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“I think the only thing we can do here as a team is be there for him during that time and support him as best as we can," said alternate captain Thomas Chabot. "And I know the whole team's going to do that. So, however long that takes, I think all that matters at this point.

"Yes, there's hockey games and everything, but, I mean, there's things in life that are way bigger than a hockey game so that's what matters right now."

Captain Brady Tkachuk added that Ullmark can expect the team and the organization's full support at this time.

"For us as teammates it's just always be there for him and whatever he's kind of going through that he knows we're always there," Tkachuk said.

"He's such a big part of our team on the ice, off the ice that we're always there for him."

Merilainen will now be counted on