It has been 41 days since Ullmark left the net with soreness in his back after the first period of a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22 at Rogers Place Arena in the Alberta capital, but he’s been inching closer to a return and the hope is that he’ll be ready to face the Wild.

According to TSN Ottawa, Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (back) will not serve as the backup on Thursday evening when the Senators face the Capitals. The team expressed optimism that Ullmark could return during their current homestand but will need at least another day to recover.

Ullmark's next chance to suit up will be at home against Minnesota on Saturday.

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Linus Ullmark for fantasy hockey. According to Bruce Garrioch of TSN, Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark

One thing to watch: It’s been an awakening for The Great 8, 39-year-old Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin, who has 22 goals in 34 games (he scored 31 all of last season). With 875 career goals, he’s now just 19 behind the NHL all-time record set by Wayne Gretzky.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark has been sidelined for over a month with a back injury. He left a game against the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22 and has been out of action ever since.

Keep updated on all the injury news and roster updates from around the NHL with daily Ice Chips. Goaltender Linus Ullmark was a full participant at this morning's skate and taking first team repetitions as he continues to work his way back from a back injury.

Poised to return soon

Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman highlighted his close friendship with Linus Ullmark with a special reaction to a social media post.

Swayman and Ullmark continue to be bonded even on separate teams. The post Linus Ullmark’s family welcomes Jeremy Swayman to Ottawa with ‘Uncle Sway’ sign appeared first on Boston.com.

Utah, which hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday (9 p.m. ET; FDSNOH, Utah16),is also without forward Dylan Guenther, who was placed on injured reserve on Jan. 8 with a lower-body injury. He is day to day. -- Matt Komma

Saturday’s contest that pits the Ottawa Senators versus the Minnesota Wild, which starts at 7:00 PM ET, features plenty of betting possibilities. Below, we cover the best bets for this matchup, so take a peek before placing any wagers.