Entering the 2024-25 season, not many would've predicted the Ottawa Senators to make the playoffs. It seemed that the only people who believed in the Senators were themselves. Now, the critics are silent.
The Senators have clinched a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Belief is back in Ottawa and deservedly so. The Senators have defied the odds this season and have had a special season not many saw coming.
While most of the Senators' core players helped the team clinch a playoff spot, there's always underappreciated players that don't get the credit they deserve. For one Senator, he helped the team huge when injuries hit in between the pipes.
Merilainen's Winter surge saved Sens season
Anton Forsberg suffered an injury in pregame warmups in a game on Dec. 14. It would lead to the Senators calling up Leevi Merilainen from Belleville. Prior to this season, Merilainen only played in two games in the 2022-23 season. Both starts resulted in losses for Merilainen.
Merilainen started his first game of the season and earned his first NHL win on Dec. 21 against the Vancouver Canucks. It marked a special moment for the 22-year-old. Then, trouble happened the very next night.
Linus Ullmark suffered an injury and was unable to play the remaining 40 minutes of the Senators' game against the Edmonton Oilers. It led to Merilainen playing the remainder of the game and earning the loss.
After Christmas with both Forsberg and Ullmark out for some time. It would lead to Merilainen starting 10 games. It was uncertain of whether or not Merilainen could keep his momentum going. Merilainen exceeded expectations to help the Senators from dwindling down the standings.
In the 10 starts after Christmas, Merilainen posted a 7-2-1 record. In three of the starts, Merilainen recorded a shutout. It helped the Senators earn 15 of a possible 20 points with Merilainen in between the pipes.
For the entire season in 12 games played with 11 of them being starts, Merilainen recorded an 8-3-1 record with a strong 1.99 goals against average and .925 save percentage. For a 12-game stretch, Merilainen impressed everyone in Ottawa.
To add another solid stat on the Senators side, Merilainen along with Ullmark and Forsberg have combined for 10 shutouts this NHL season.
Merilainen showed big things this season even with playing in 12 games. Merilainen's play could lead him to see more NHL time next season.