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 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

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.

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,