At the 2020 NHL Draft, the Ottawa Senators were in need of a goaltender. With the 71st overall pick in the draft, the Senators selected Leevi Merilainen.
Merilainen is a native from Oulu, Finland. It wasn't until late in the 2022-23 season that Merilainen would make his NHL debut. On April 4, 2023, Merilainen made his NHL debut and suffered an overtime loss against the Carolina Hurricanes. Two nights later, Merilainen was pulled in his next start against the Florida Panthers after he allowed in three goals on 12 shots.
Merilainen wasn't NHL ready in 2023 and it was unsure when he would play in the NHL again. Eight days ago, backup goaltender Anton Forsberg suffered an injury and would not be able to play in the Senators' game that night. With Forsberg not ready to return for the beginning of the Senators' nine-game road trip, Merilainen got called up to the NHL. In his season debut, Merilainen had a moment he will never forget, and neither will the Senators.
Merilainen earned his first NHL win in a moment he will never forget
The Senators defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 last night in overtime at Rogers Arena to win their sixth consecutive game. With having a back-to-back on the schedule, head coach Travis Green decided to start Merilainen against the Canucks. It turned out to be a special moment as Merilainen earned his first NHL win after not playing in the NHL since April 6, 2023.
"It's been a long time since I played, and just so happy to get the first win," Merilainen said postgame following his first NHL win.
It was a special moment in the Senators' season that has seen some special moments already. From Linus Ullmark's first win as a Senator, to Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson each scoring their 100th career goals, to Adam Gaudette's rising play, or to Batherson's natural hat trick against the Anaheim Ducks. Now, the Senators will remember Merilainen's first NHL win coming at 22 years old.
"Real happy whenever anyone gets their first win," Green said postgame following the win against the Canucks.
Merilainen would make 21 saves to earn the win. Despite allowing in four goals, the Senators coming away with the win with Ullmark not starting was crucial. Merilainen made 10 saves in the third period to keep the Senators in a position to win the game.
Merilainen had a rough start to the game. With the Senators up 2-0 late in the first period, the Canucks scored two goals in a 1:38 span to tie the game. In the third period, the Canucks tied the game with 4:50 remaining and applied heavy pressure on Merilainen throughout the period. Even with not playing since April 2023, Merilainen didn't lack confidence.
"Felt really good, felt like I was on it from the start," Merilainen said.
Jake Sanderson's overtime winner 15 seconds into overtime helped Merilainen earn his first NHL win. Excitement carried over into the locker room where the Senators were happy for Merilainen.
Good luck not getting fired up watching this 😤#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/PriLu7eQeA
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) December 22, 2024