Ottawa Senators coach Travis Green didn’t hold back.
His job could be on the line.
Following Saturday’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens, Green spoke out against goalie Leevi Merilainen, who yielded six goals and turned aside just 13 shots.
“It’s a little bit frustrating,” Green said, as reported by CityNews Ottawa. “Six goals on (19) shots, I’m sure he would like to have one or two back.
“It’s hard to give him a pass.”
With Linus Ullmark on personal leave since Dec. 28, Green force-fed Merilainen, who failed to seize the opportunity. In 20 appearances, the third-year netminder posted an 8-10-1 mark with a 3.51 goals-against average and .860 save percentage.
James Reimer received the start Sunday and turned aside 26 shots during a 4-3 overtime loss to the host Detroit Red Wings, who rallied from a 2-0 first-period deficit.
Without Ullmark, the Senators (22-19-7) have struggled, winning just four of their past 14 outings. They rank last in the Atlantic Division standings with 51 points.
Will Ullmark return soon?
Ullmark practiced last Friday for the first time since his previous start on Dec. 27. He was 14-8-5 with a 2.95 GAA and .881 save percentage.
“I’m happy he’s back skating with the group,” Green said, as reported by Yahoo Sports. “He looks good, and it’s just a positive.”
Green stopped short of providing a timeline for Ullmark’s first start, insisting he was “day-to-day.”
Green could use the proven netminder.
BetOnline Sportsbook listed Green (+200) with the top odds as the next NHL coach to be fired, following Dean Evason’s dismissal from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Jan. 12.
Travis Green media avail Jan.16. No update for Ullmark's return: "First practice it's great to see." #gosensgo pic.twitter.com/I0HHTt00al
— Coming In Hot (@ComingInHotSens) January 16, 2026
NHL Rumors: Next Head Coach Fired Odds
Here is a look at the odds for which NHL coach will be fired, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:
| Coaches | NHL Rumors: Next Head Coach Fired Odds |
|---|---|
| Travis Green (OTT) | +200 |
| Ryan Huska (CGY) | +325 |
| Jim Hiller (LAK) | +375 |
| Sheldon Keefe (NJ) | +500 |
| Scott Arniel (WPG) | +600 |
| Jim Montgomery (STL) | +800 |
| Mike Sullivan (NYR) | +1000 |
| Marco Sturm (BOS) | +1200 |
| Andrew Brunette (NAS) | +1200 |
| Joel Quenneville (ANA) | +1200 |
| Adam Foote (VAN) | +1200 |
| Jeff Blashill (CHI) | +1600 |
| Craig Berube (TOR) | +3300 |
| Lane Lambert (SEA) | +4000 |
| Andre Tourigny (UTA) | +4000 |
| Kris Knoblauch (EDM) | +5000 |
