A lot of things had to happen for Leevi Merilainen to get this chance, but until further notice, the Ottawa Senators net belongs to him.

According to the advanced goaltending data at Evolving-Hockey, Merilainen has stopped 4.56 goals more than expected (GSAx) based on the quality of shots he has faced. Dustin Wolf (13.44 GSAx in 23 games) and the highly regarded Yaroslav Askarov (6.43 in 8 games) are the only rookie goaltenders who have stopped more.

Leevi Merilainen has become a net gain for the Ottawa Senators. Just when it looked like the Senators were headed in the wrong direction, the 22-year-old rookie goaltender has stepped into the role left vacant by the back injury to Linus Ullmark and has been solid.

Leevi Merilainen authored his second shutout in three starts Tuesday night, recording 24 saves to lead the visiting Ottawa Senators to a 2-0 win over the New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y.

Leevi Merilainen made 24 saves for his second shutout in three games and the Ottawa Senators beat the New York Islanders 2-0 on Tuesday night.

ELMONT, N.Y. -- Leevi Merilainen made 24 saves for the Ottawa Senators in a 2-0 win against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Tuesday. It was Merilainen's second shutout in his past three starts. He made 29 saves in a 5-0 win at the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

When Linus Ullmark injured his back in the first period against the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22, many of the Ottawa Senators’ worst fears were realized.

One day after posting his first career shutout, Leevi Merilainen made 24 saves to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars.

In a defensive battle, the Ottawa Senators managed to play a detail-oriented game to come away with their third win in a row. The post Ottawa Senators Postgame: Merilainen Leads the Way, Again! appeared first on Ottawa Hockey Now.