When Linus Ullmark left the Ottawa Senators' December 22nd game against the Edmonton Oilers with a back injury, his absence could have been a disaster. Ullmark was in the midst of a heater, the kind the organization envisioned when they traded a 2024 first-round pick and Mark Kastelic to the division rival Bruins.

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.

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.

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.

After starting the new year with a four-game losing streak, the Ottawa Senators have rebounded with three wins in a row. They beat the New York Islanders 2-0 on Tuesday night at UBS Arena. 22-year-old rookie Leevi Merilainen continues to be the hot hand for the Sens, making 23 saves for the shutout, Ottawa's sixth of the season, all on the road.

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.

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.