The Ottawa Senators will turn to their version of the Finnish Flash on Hockey Day in Canada . As the Senators prepare to kick off Hockey Night in Canada ‘s 25th annual version of the celebration of the game loved by millions of people in this country,

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 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.

Leevi Merilainen made 24 saves in his Ottawa home debut and the Senators ended the Dallas Stars’ seven-game winning streak with a 3-2 victory Sunday 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,