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OTT PG43 @ New York Islanders - Merilainen is the Man |
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Leevi Merilainen earned his second career shutout for the Ottawa Senators in a two-zip victory over the home New York Islanders to conclude their meetings this season. Ottawa was outscored 8-6 against the Islanders, but the Senators were consistent and scored two goals in each of the three games they met.
Period I
Matt Martin and Zach MacEwen set the tone for their squads with an early scrap. Just 2:02 into the game. New York had seven shots against to the Senators' five.
Period II
Adam Gaudette broke through with the only goal scored on a goalie this game. The winger's 14th goal of the season is two more than his original previous 12 from the 19-20 season. Tyler Kleven had the primary assist, which was his second point in his previous three games. Those two points doubled his season production. Shane Pinto had the secondary assist, and is now on a three game point streak with two goals and two assists in that time period.
Period III
Artem Zub had the empty net goal with a minute and 24 seconds remaining in regulation for his first goal of the regular season. This was his first goal scored in the calendar year, as his last goal scored was April 16th. Josh Norris and Drake Batherson had the assists.
Goaltenders
Marcus Hogberg stopped 25 of 26 shots for a 0.962 save percentage.
Leevi Merilainen had earned his second shutout in his last three starts. While happy to be on the main roster, Merilainen has carried the Senators with Ullmark remaining out of the lineup. None of the 24 Islanders' shots got behind the Finnish netminder.
Players to Watch
Isles - Brock Nelson was a -1 in 22:15TOI with 3 shots on net.
Sens - Matthew Highmore was pointless in 11:11TOI with 3 shots on goal.
Sens' Three Stars of the Game
1. Leevi Merilainen - second carrer shutout; 24 saves
2. Adam Gaudette - GWG (14)
3. Shane Pinto - assist (6); on three-game point streak
Standings
Ottawa is in striking distance of the post season, one point behind Columbus for the second wild card with one game in hand; and two points behind Boston for the first wild card spot with three games in hand on Boston. While Tampa is tied with Boston, the Lightning have played one less game than the Senators.
Montreal is one point behind the Senators with the same number of games played.
Next Game
Jakob Chychrun returns Ottawa for the first meeting of the season between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators as Alex Ovechkin is looking to surpass Wayne Gretzky's goal scoring record this season.
Ottawa Senators Blogger • 
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