The opening night disaster shows the Senators made a deal they won't be proud to take back

When the Ottawa Senators missed the playoffs for the seventh straight season in 2024, it was still clear that the team needed a true number one goaltender. Before the 2023-24 season, the Senators signed Joonas Korpisalo to a five-year, $20 million contract.

Korpisalo played a key role in helping the Los Angeles Kings reach the 2023 playoffs, so the Senators were confident the momentum would continue. Long story short: Korpisalo had no momentum in Ottawa. Korpisalo posted a 21-26-4 record with a 3.27 goals against average and a save percentage of .890 with Ottawa last season.

After one season, the Senators saw enough of Korpisalo and were looking for a true number one goaltender. The Senators made a trade with the Boston Bruins to trade away Korpisalo and sign 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark. Just one game into Korpisalo's tenure with the Bruins, the Senators have already made the right decision by trading Korpisalo.

Korpisalo allowed six goals on opening night, the Senators are even happier that they traded Korpisalo for Ullmark

Due to Jeremy Swayman's contract situation prior to the Bruins' first game last night against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, the Bruins announced that Korpisalo will start the season opener. Although Swayman signed a contract to remain with the Bruins before opening night, the Bruins still started Korpisalo between the posts.

Korpisalo was immediately put under pressure to start the first game. A trade can require a fresh start for players, but Korpisalo's first game as a Bruin was ugly. Korpisalo allowed six goals in the game, including the goals allowed in the first period. The Bruins lost the game with a final score of 6-4.

The Senators are now in a position where they are even more excited to see Ullmark in goal after Korpisalo's poor performance. Korpisalo was obviously a problem for the Senators last season with his inconsistency, now the Senators can expect Ullmark to stand out this season.

Ullmark is under pressure to live up to expectations with his play in Boston and will be a key factor in Ottawa's success this season. However, Ullmark played well in the 2024 preseason and is looking to carry his momentum into the regular season.

The Senators' opening night is tomorrow night at 7pm ET against the Panthers. When Ullmark's name is announced, Sens fans at the Canadian Tire Center will erupt in cheers and there will be excitement in the arena all night long.