ULLMARK'S RETURN DELAYED AS ERSSON GETS THIRD STRAIGHT START

Linus Ullmark's return to the Ottawa Senators will have to wait at least one more game.

After missing eight consecutive games with a lower-body injury, Ullmark was activated off injured reserve on Monday, raising expectations that he would return to the lineup Tuesday night against the Washington Capitals.

Instead, Samuel Ersson will make his third consecutive start, while 21-year-old Jackson Parsons will serve as the backup.

Ersson has been outstanding of late, posting a 3-0-0 record in his last three starts with a .949 save percentage and a 1.34 goals-against average.

Ullmark, meanwhile, leads the NHL in both save percentage (.945) and goals-against average (1.33).

Ullmark has been practicing with the team for the past week and took regular reps alongside Parsons at Tuesday's morning skate.

"Thought about starting him today, but wanted to give him another few days," head coach Travis Green said. "And obviously, Sam's been playing well, and Pars (Parsons) has been playing well down there as well."

For Parsons, the unexpected opportunity is a dream come true.

The undrafted goaltender from Embrun, Ontario, grew up cheering for the Senators and will dress for his childhood team for the first time.

Parsons has a 4-3-1 record this season with the Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League.

"It's surreal," Parsons said.

"When I got the call yesterday, it's a very happy ride up to Ottawa, calling some lifelong buddies that are also Sens fans, and they couldn't believe it either."