Buffalo Sabres Daily Press Clips February 7, 2019

Are Sabres watching NHL playoff race as closely as their fans? By Jason Wolf The Buffalo News February 6, 2019

Zach Bogosian pays no attention to the NHL standings, even with the in the playoff hunt for the first time in years.

“We play the game the same way every time, so we’re not going to play any harder or less hard against whoever it is,” the Sabres’ veteran defenseman said after practice Wednesday. “I don’t pay attention to it at all.”

Bogosian isn’t alone in this approach. There are other players on the Sabres’ roster who share a similar philosophy, as well as those on the other end of the spectrum, like forward Sam Reinhart, who said he keeps a close eye on the out-of-town scoreboard.

But they all appreciate that the Sabres are playing meaningful games in February for a change, and understand the added importance of defeating the on Thursday night at KeyBank Center in the third game of a seven-game homestand.

“It’s a big game for us,” Sabres and former Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner said. “This time of year, I think any time you come to the rink it’s important to try to pick up points, and obviously this team is right there with us, so it gives it a little extra importance.”

The Sabres and Hurricanes are tied with 58 points in the Eastern Conference standings, just three points behind Columbus for the final playoff spot with two months remaining in the regular .

Buffalo has the advantage of having played one fewer game. The Sabres have 30 games remaining; the Hurricanes 29.

“I’m not one who looks at (the standings) all the time,” Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt said. “I think if you look at it too much it gets in your head a little bit. I think the main thing for us is to focus on how we can play and we know what we can do, and just work towards that and it should work itself out.”

The Sabres have lost seven consecutive games to the Hurricanes, a franchise with the longest active playoff drought in the NHL, going 0-5-2 since last topping the ‘Canes on March 22, 2016, at Carolina.

The stretch includes a 4-3 loss at Carolina on Jan. 11, in the teams’ first meeting this season.

Carolina hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2008-09 season. The Sabres have the second-longest active playoff drought at seven seasons, last making the postseason in 2011.

“We haven’t had a lot of success against them in the last two or three years,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said. “That’s going to be a of emphasis, but more importantly, is to try and keep building something here and not going back to winning a game and then getting on the (wrong) side of things. We’ve got to stay focused.”

Buffalo, which defeated the Wild, 5-4, in a shootout Tuesday night, hasn’t won back-to-back games since Dec. 11 and 13, against the and Coyotes.

Carolina defeated the , 4-0, on Tuesday night to keep pace with the Sabres and Blue Jackets. Columbus topped the Colorado Avalanche, 6-3.

“I couldn’t imagine playing a sport and not knowing the score,” Reinhart said. “You want to know where you are. Everybody’s different. But I’m checking the scores every night. I want to know what other teams are up to. It seems like every time we win, other teams win, too, so it’s a dogfight. But, no, I want to know what the score is, for sure.”

The Sabres will continue their homestand with back-to-back games against the on Saturday and the on Sunday, then host the on Tuesday and New York Rangers on Feb. 15.

Buffalo hasn’t strung more than two victories together since the end of its 10-game winning streak on Nov. 27.

“At this point, any game is important,” Bogosian said. “I think anytime you have a chance to get two points and you get two points and climb up the standings, it’s huge. Anytime you’re playing a team that’s right on your heels or you’re chasing them, those are obviously — I wouldn’t say they’re more important, because every game is important — but those are games that are definitely must-wins.”

On this point, he and Reinhart agree.

“Every point matters at this time of the year,” Reinhart said. “We’re in playoff mode right now.”

Skinner said the Sabres are embracing the moment.

“It’s fun. I think that’s why you play the game, to play in important games, to play in big situations,” Skinner said. “And I think especially here, everyone’s sort of excited. There’s been sort of a buzz around the city. They love the Sabres here. They want to see them do well. I think guys want to make them proud. That’s why we play the game, to play in these meaningful games coming down the stretch.”

Sabres reunite Jeff Skinner, on top line By Jason Wolf The Buffalo News February 6, 2019

The Buffalo Sabres’ experiment of separating All-Stars Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner lasted a little more than two periods.

Sabres coach Phil Housley returned Skinner to the top line early in the third period of Tuesday night’s 5-4 shootout victory against the at KeyBank Center, and that’s where the team’s leading -scorer remained during practice Wednesday afternoon.

“I just felt he wasn’t really involved in the game,” Housley said, “and I thought when he was placed back with Jack, he was back to his normal self.”

Skinner continued skating alongside Eichel and forward Jason Pominville as the Sabres prepare to host the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night in the third game of a seven-game homestand.

Skinner, acquired in a trade from the ‘Canes last offseason, is enjoying a breakout season in Buffalo, with 47 points (31 goals, 16 assists) in 52 games. He had five shots on goal but didn't record a point in 18 minutes, 4 seconds of playing time against Minnesota.

Most of Skinner's production has come on a top line with Eichel and Sam Reinhart, which was disbanded on Monday as Housley attempted to shake his team out of its recent funk.

The need for secondary scoring has been a point of emphasis for the Sabres this season, but keeping Skinner and Eichel together seems like the most effective approach.

Pominville, like Skinner, also has had his greatest success when skating alongside Eichel this season.

“I think Pommer is always in the right spots,” Skinner said. “Obviously, he’s been around a long time, so he’s really smart. As a linemate, you know where he’s going to be at all times. He wins battles and you can sort of read off him, and obviously Jack sort of drives the line and I just kind of read off him."

Reinhart’s versatility ‘terrific’ Casey Mittelstadt continued to center the second line, alongside and Reinhart, who had a goal, an assist and the game-winner in the shootout victory against the Wild.

Housley described that line as “tenacious” and said Reinhart, who began the game on the third line, has done a “terrific job” regardless of who he’s played with.

“Whenever he’s been asked to move to a different line, he’s really risen to the occasion,” Housley said. “Last night was a big example of it, scoring a goal for us.”

Housley said the team’s second period, when the Sabres were outscored 3-2, helped convince him to make line changes early in the third.

“I didn’t really like our second period,” Housley said. “We tried to roll with those lines (we started the game with) early in the third, but (I was) just trying to find a combination that was going to work for us. I thought Jack’s line was really good when Skinner was placed back on that line, to get him more involved. He hadn’t played a lot of minutes up to that time because they were all spread around, and putting Conor Sheary with Mittelstadt and Reinhart provided us with a spark, so that was just a decision within the game.”

Evan Rodrigues centered the third line at practice Wednesday, alongside C.J. Smith and Kyle Okposo.

Johan Larsson centered the fourth line, alongside Zemgus Girgensons and Vladimir Sobotka.

Tage Thompson was an extra skater.

The Sabres’ defensive pairings remained unchanged from Tuesday night’s game.

Ullmark OK; Larsson may return Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark practiced on Wednesday morning after being hit in the head by Zach Parise on the final shot of the shootout Tuesday night.

Ullmark headed straight to the locker room after the game, rather than celebrating with his teammates.

Larsson, who has missed the last two games with an upper body injury, seems poised to return to the lineup against Carolina.

“We’ll see how he reacts to (Wednesday’s) practice and make that decision (Thursday),” Housley said. “But he looked really good in practice (Wednesday).”

'Hockey is for Everyone Night' The Sabres will host "Hockey is for Everyone Night" during their game against the Hurricanes on Thursday at KeyBank Center, the team announced. February is the NHL’s annual "Hockey is for Everyone" month, which promotes the inclusion of players, coaches and fans of every race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and those with disabilities.

Activities throughout the night will include the "You Can Play Project," which advocates for the inclusion, acceptance and respect of LGBTQ athletes in sports. Players will use Pride Tape on their sticks during pregame warmups, and sticks will be auctioned off on Sabres.com/Auctions from 5 p.m. on Feb. 8 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 17. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Pride Center of Western New York and Gay and Lesbian Services of Western New York.

There will also be Sabres pride T-shirts available for purchase at the Sabres Store. Additionally, the Pride Center of WNY and Gay and Lesbian Youth Services and the Varsity Gay League will have informational tables on the 100 level.

Kids day A few thousand kids were on hand to watch Sabres practice Wednesday at KeyBank Center as part of the NHL’s Future Goals program. The endeavor aims to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills through the game of hockey.

Satan honored Former Sabres forward Miroslav Satan will be inducted into the International Federation Hall of Fame Class of 2019, the IIHF announced.

The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 26 in Bratislava, the capital of , before the medal games of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.

The two-time All-Star played eight of his 14 NHL seasons for the Sabres, from 1996 to 2004. He won the with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.

Sabres prospect Alexander Nylander is day to day following injury By Bill Hoppe The Buffalo News February 7, 2019

ROCHESTER – Sabres prospect Alexander Nylander is day to day after suffering a lower-body injury in Tuesday’s practice, Americans coach Chris Taylor said.

Nylander, 20, missed Wednesday’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Syracuse Crunch in Blue Cross Arena.

According to LetsGoAmerks.com, defenseman Will Borgen knocked Nylander to the ice before he got tangled with defenseman Matt Tennyson later in the session and fell.

Nylander, the eighth overall pick in 2016, has scored eight goals and 24 points in 42 games this season.

Following a strong start, the Swedish winger has tailed off, scoring zero goals in his last 10 contests and just two in his past 23 outings.

Many of the Sabres are enjoying meaningful games in February By Paul Hamilton WGR 550 February 6, 2019

Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) - The Sabres still trail Columbus by three points in the race for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. For some players on this team, this is the first time they’ve been able to talk about meaningful games in February.

Jake McCabe started playing in Buffalo in 2014. This is the first time he’s played meaningful games this late in the season and he’s enjoying it, “It’s very refreshing to be in this race in February than having that different conversation that we would’ve had the last couple of years.”

McCabe knows many of his teammates are like him. He said, “A lot of the guys in this room have been here for some really tough stretches, so to be playing meaningful hockey in February right in the thick of a playoff race is really important for us as a group because we haven’t experienced that.

“A lot of guys have been lucky enough to be in the playoffs and it will bring another aspect to our game with the guys that have been there showing us guys that haven’t been there and guys need to dig in and find more to give every single night because I don’t think you’re going to find a hungrier group to make the playoffs than in here.”

Others who have done nothing but lose as Buffalo Sabres include , Zemgus Girgensons, Sam Reinhart, Jack Eichel, Evan Rodrigues, Casey Nelson and Johan Larsson.

Larsson first played with Buffalo in the same season as McCabe. He said, “It’s been the most fun here since I came here. Every game is on the line, points are huge and it’s just fun to come to the rink and battle to be in the race and we’re going to do everything we can to get in.”

Larsson has missed two games with an undisclosed injury. He was back doing line shifts in practice on Wednesday. He said, “It felt good, it’s good to get practice in here and it felt OK.” Phil Housley added, “We’ll see how he reacts to today’s practice and make that decision tomorrow, but he looked really good in practice today.”

There are only two games in the NHL on Wednesday, but both matter to the Sabres. Toronto is home against Ottawa, while Boston is at the Rangers.

Wednesday’s lines:

Skinner - Eichel - Pominville

Sheary - Mittelstadt - Reinhart

Smith - Rodrigues - Okposo

Sobotka - Larsson - Girgensons

Thompson

Dahlin - Ristolainen

Pilut - Bogosian

Scandella - McCabe

Beaulieu - Hunwick

Nelson Sabres’ Evan Rodrigues piling up goals after slow start By Bill Hoppe Olean Times Herald February 6, 2019

BUFFALO – It can be argued the best play in Tuesday’s victory wasn’t a goal, Sabres winger Sam Reinhart’s shootout winner or one of goalie Linus Ullmark’s windmill saves.

How about center Evan Rodrigues’ arduous effort to stay onside in the second period?

As the Sabres rushed into the Minnesota Wild zone, Rodrigues slammed on the brakes and lost his stick. Rodrigues basically looked like a wishbone about to break trying to keep his skate on the blue line as his linemates, Reinhart and C.J. Smith, zoomed by.

“I’m just glad he didn’t pull a groin,” Sabres coach Phil Housley joked Wednesday.

Incredibly, Rodrigues stayed onside, allowing Reinhart to feed Smith, whose second NHL goal put the Sabres up 2-1 in the second period.

“I’ve never had it happen where it actually works and leads to a goal like that before,” Rodrigues said inside KeyBank Center.

Rodrigues, 25, has been creating offense different ways recently, shaking off a slow start and morphing into one of the Sabres’ hottest scorers entering tonight’s home tilt against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Boston University product opened the scoring in Tuesday’s 5-4 win, his fifth goal in the last seven contests. His four-game goal streak ended last week.

What has changed? Why has the speedy Rodrigues, who scored just two goals in his first 39 outings, suddenly caught fire?

Well, he said he switched his stick model after the NHL All-Star break last week, going from a Bauer Supreme to Nexus.

“The other one didn’t seem to be working for me,” Rodrigues said. “I got a couple sample sticks in and just liked the way it felt. I figured I’d mix things up since I wasn’t scoring in the beginning of the year.”

While that might help a little bit, other changes have really ignited Rodrigues.

“Maybe a little bit more confidence, probably playing a lot smarter, not trying to force things, not making the hard play but making the smart, right play,” Rodrigues said. “I’m playing with my head up a lot more with the puck, a lot more confident with it on my stick.

“Other than that, the puck’s just starting to go in. I’m starting to bury my chances.”

Rodrigues finally buried his first chance Nov. 21, his first 16th appearance after sitting out six games as a healthy scratch.

After compiling seven goals and 25 points in 48 games last season – Rodrigues was one of the few Sabres who might’ve exceeded expectations – his start was disappointing.

“You definitely start to think a little bit more,” Rodrigues said of his confidence earlier this season. “You start to grip your stick a little bit tighter. You know you have to always kind of remind yourself and go back that you’re doing things right. I was getting my chances. It was just a matter of time.”

Housley said the genesis of Rodrigues’ offensive production starts in the defensive zone.

“His own foundation, like a lot of our guys, is being aware in his own end,” Housley said. “He got beat back on the middle of the ice a couple times, he lost the centerman on a D-zone draw, so just those little things defensively, that’s where his play starts.

“When he takes care of his own end, he seems to attack the game the right way through the neutral zone using his speed.”

The affable Rodrigues, who can play center and the wing, has tried to adapt.

“When you’re not scoring, you kind of have to do all the little things right and focus on your game defensively – be hard, be strong, try to get to the net,” said Rodrigues, who has compiled seven goals and 19 points in 46 contests this season. “I think just try to keep your confidence up, don’t get down on yourself.

“In my head, I know I have the ability … to produce at this level. I just continue to tell myself that, continue to shoot the puck, not get away from it. It’s finally turned for me.”

Sabres hope to build streak by beating pesky Hurricanes By Bill Hoppe Olean Times Herald February 6, 2019

BUFFALO – The Sabres, who enjoyed a 10-game winning streak in November, haven’t won consecutive tilts since Dec. 11-13.

Fresh off Tuesday’s 5-4 shootout win over the Minnesota Wild, the Sabres have an opportunity to build something again. Of course, to get a streak going, the Sabres must knock off the Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday’s opponent at KeyBank Center.

The Hurricanes, who have as many points, 58, as the Sabres, have beaten the Sabres seven straight meetings (0- 5-2). The Sabres last defeated them March 22, 2016.

“We haven’t had a lot of success against them in the last two or three years,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said this afternoon. “It’s going to be a point of emphasis. But more importantly is to try to keep building something here and not going back to winning a game and getting on the right side of things, because we got to stay focused.

“We talked about how much we gave up last night. We just gave up too much. We’re not going to have success playing that kind of game.”

The Sabres have been showcasing some awful defense, allowing four or more goals in seven of the last nine outings.

Another weak effort Tuesday forced Housley to switch the lines he had put together a day earlier.

Other than a change on the fourth line today – center Johan Larsson for winger Tage Thompson – Housley kept the lines he utilized late in the game intact, meaning Jack Eichel is still centering 31-goal winger Jeff Skinner and Jason Pominville.

Housley said he put Skinner back beside Eichel to “get him more involved.” Skinner, who doesn’t kill penalties, can miss time if the Sabres are down a man.

“I just felt he wasn’t really involved in the game,” Housley said. “When he was placed back with Jack, he was back to his normal self.”

Meanwhile, Housley said a decision on Larsson, out the last two games with an upper-body injury, will be made Thursday.

“We’ll see how he reacts to today’s practice,” Housley said.

Sabres working to keep emotions in check with playoff spot hanging in the balance By Nick Filipowski WIVB February 6, 2019

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Standing at his stall following the Sabres' 5-4 shootuot win over Minnesota on Tuesday, Evan Rodrigues seemed stunned to find out Buffalo hadn't won two straight games since mid-December.

"I did not know that," he said. "Obviosusly, that's not a good stat. That was one of our keys early on in the year, was to string wins together. It's going to be huge for us, especially on this homestand. We need wins. It's a tight race and we have to find a way to win. And now we have to get on a roll here."

The Sabres, who in late November were the best team in the NHL, have gone from first place in the standings to now battling to secure one of the final wild card spots in the Eastern Conference.

And, if there is one thing the Blue & Gold have admittedly struggled with since their 10-game winning streak ended, it's their emotions. In their own words, they get too high after wins and too low after losses.

With a playoff berth hanging in the balance, they know the importance of staying even-keeled.

"We can't be lackadaisical in practice. We have to make sure we're engaged and ready to give our best effort and that we're mentally engaged," said Rodrigues. "Even in games, when we get lackadaisical and sit back, that's when we tend to struggle. We have to be engaged (in practice on Wednesday) and be ready to go and have a quick start on Thursday."

"I think that's been a big focus on us this year," added winger Sam Reinhart. "I think earlier in the year we did a really good job of it. It's always easier when you're winning games but when you're going through a stretch like we have, it's really important to stay composed and that's what we're doing right now. Another day to work and prepare for Thursday."

"It's just another game (Thursday) and then we have a back-to-back coming up," netminder Linus Ullmark said. "Every game is a battle. We want to get to the playoffs and we have to make a push. Every game is the most important of the day."

New option for Bills, Sabres or Bandits season ticket renewal to be offered By Evan Anstey WIVB February 6, 2019

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Anyone holding season tickets for the Bills, Sabres or Bandits will have a new option for renewing them.

Starting in the offseason, Pegula Sports and Entertainment will offer use of Easy Renew.

Ticket holders with payment plans will be enrolled in the program, which automates the renewal and payment process.

For instance, Bills season ticket holders who use an extended payment plan for the 2019 season will be enrolled for the 2020 season and beyond.

Sabres and Bandits season ticket holders who use payment plans for the 2019-2020 season will be enrolled for the following season.

“Easy Renew will eliminate the possibility that any of our valued ticket holders can inadvertently lose their tickets due to an oversight in making their payment on time,” Brent Rossi, Pegula Sports & Entertainment’s executive vice president of marketing and brand strategy, said. “Season tickets are a point of personal pride for many of our fans. Easy Renew will provide a hassle-free method to renew season tickets as excitement and demand continue to grow around our teams.”

Anyone who wants to cancel their enrollment can do so during the offseason.

Drop and roll: How Ullmark channeled Hasek in victory over Wild By Jourdon LaBarber Sabres.com February 6, 2019

If you thought for a moment that Linus Ullmark looked like a certain Buffalo Sabres legend on Tuesday, know that it was no accident.

Although he hails from Lugnvik, Sweden, Ullmark grew up idolizing Dominik Hasek for his unorthodox style and legendary intensity. When a defensive-zone turnover led to a point-blank scoring chance for the Minnesota Wild's Marcus Foligno on Tuesday night, he channeled one of Hasek's signature moves.

"You hear all these rumors and stories about him having shutouts in practice and guys hating shooting on him because he was just dominating them," Ullmark said after practice on Wednesday. "I kind of always idolized him from that standpoint and try to be like him when I play and during practices.

"It doesn't mean I'm just going to flop around all the time and do two-pad stacks. When the time to do it arrives, you have to throw yourself in there. Luckily, yesterday, I was able to read off the shot on Moose and took it away."

It's not the first time Ullmark has utilized the "Hasek roll." He pulled it out during the AHL Skills Competition a year ago and says he's used it before in games. He even practices the move when the opportunity arises.

But as much as Ullmark idolized Hasek for his creativity, he held the Hall of Famer's consistency in equally high regard. Just as there was a method to Hasek's madness, Ullmark explained how he picked his spot to utilize the barrel roll when presented with Foligno's attempt.

"It's all about the read," he said. "If you're lucky enough to read it right that he's going to go high, then it's all about getting something in there. Yesterday, it wasn't as stressful as it usually is during those situations because I was in a good spot.

"I was calm and collected so I could read off the shot and react to it. It wasn't like I just rotated and swiveled around with my pads in the air. In my mind, I was pretty controlled in that moment."

The barrel roll isn't the only emergency option in Ullmark's toolbox. He's known to make his share of windmill glove saves, and he's even practiced the ability to redirect shots with his Minion-covered mask.

It all stems from Ullmark's days as a young goaltender, when his unorthodox style was as much a roadblock as it was an asset. Coaches told him he looked more like a soccer goalie than a hockey goalie, that his play was too unpredictable.

"I've always had that kind of arsenal, I would say, those tools in the toolbox to pull out," he said. "For me, it was much more about bringing everything into a controlled state of mind and not to do it all the time. More about doing the easy saves and try to make the hard saves as easy as possible.

"But then whenever you're put in a bad spot or situation and there's a rebound, tip, whatever you have, you can just pick out the right tool and use it."

Next home game: Thursday vs. Carolina His goalie coach, Andrew Allen, said he's seen dramatic strides in that sense from the time Ullmark was thrust into a 20-game NHL stint in 2015-16, when he a 22-year-old rookie coming off double-hip surgery.

"I really feel his game has simplified over time," Allen said. "When he first got here, he would almost chase the play. He'd be moving on saves a lot more. Now he gets his feet set. His edge control is his biggest strength, so he's able to get into position more often to not have to make these.

"But the fact of the matter that he had, growing up, this innate ability to make the big save and these acrobatic saves is that he has that in his toolbox, so it's always there for him. From a consistency standpoint, you don't want to see him having to use that all the time."

Any comparison to Hasek, Allen says, comes down to the two goaltenders' ability to think the game.

"Linus has got some flare in some of the save selections he makes," he said. "So yeah, you can see some of that influence. I equate it to hockey sense, how Dom Hasek had this innate hockey sense to make saves that other goalies hadn't even thought of.

"Linus at times gets into positions where he thinks these saves out that some other goalies don't. I do see an influence for sure from Hasek, but I equate it to hockey sense. It's just hockey sense."

Ullmark got a chance to show off his skillset in front of Hasek at the inaugural Skills Challenge in January, but he hasn't yet had the chance to speak at length with his idol.

When they do meet, they should have plenty to talk about.

"It's cool that he's around," he said. "I'd like to do that someday, obviously, because he was my idol growing up. If I'm lucky enough to stay around for a lot of years, I'm sure that I'll get to talk to him someday."

Wednesday's practice

Johan Larsson took a step toward returning from an upper-body injury, practicing on a line with Zemgus Girgensons and Vladimir Sobotka. Coach Phil Housley said his status for Buffalo's game against Carolina on Thursday will be determined after the team's morning skate.

Tage Thompson skated as the extra forward at practice, with Housley sticking to the changes he made in the third period against Minnesota. That included Jack Eichel being placed back on a line with Jeff Skinner and Jason Pominville.

"I didn't really like our second period," Housley said. "We tried to roll with those lines early in the third, but I just tried to find a combination that worked for us. I thought Jack's line was really good when Skinner was placed back on that line to get him more involved."

Here's how the Sabres lined up:

53 Jeff Skinner - 9 Jack Eichel - 29 Jason Pominville 43 Conor Sheary - 37 Casey Mittelstadt - 23 Sam Reinhart 49 C.J. Smith - 71 Evan Rodrigues - 21 Kyle Okposo 28 Zemgus Girgensons - 22 Johan Larsson - 17 Vladimir Sobotka / 72 Tage Thompson

26 Rasmus Dahlin - 55 Rasmus Ristolainen 24 Lawrence Pilut - 4 Zach Bogosian 6 Marco Scandella - 19 Jake McCabe 82 Nathan Beaulieu - 48 Matt Hunwick / 8 Casey Nelson

40 Carter Hutton 35 Linus Ullmark