Leevi Merilainen Shines as Senators Defeat Islanders 2-0 in NHL Matchup

Ottawa: Leevi Merilainen was on fire, making 24 saves for his second shutout in just three games. The Senators took down the New York Islanders 2-0 on Tuesday night.

Adam Gaudette and Artem Zub found the net, helping the Senators secure their third straight win while ending the Islanders’ three-game streak.

For New York, Marcus Hogberg was in goal, stopping 23 shots. This was his second start in a row. Ilya Sorokin was available but didn’t play due to being under the weather, and Semyon Varlamov is on injured reserve.

Gaudette scored first, redirecting a shot from Tyler Kleven at 8:42 in the first period. Zub sealed the deal with a slap shot into an empty net late in the third.

Islanders forward Marc Gatcomb made his NHL debut, while Jean-Gabriel Pageau missed the game due to illness.

In a key moment, Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot left the game after taking a puck to the face but was held out for precautionary reasons.

The Islanders managed to kill off a crucial penalty in the third, successfully stopping their last four opportunities and 12 of the past 14.

One of Merilainen’s standout saves came at 12:40 in the third when he denied Brock Nelson’s rush attempt.

The Islanders now sit at 9-16-3 when allowing the first goal and 9-18-6 when they fail to score on the power play.

Looking ahead, Ottawa will host the Washington Capitals on Thursday, while New York will face the Philadelphia Flyers on the same day.