Merilainen has been phenomenal lately, taking the crease away from Anton Forsberg during Linus Ullmark's (back) absence. The 22-year-old Merilainen has a 1.99 GAA and .925 SV% in seven games this season (5-2-0). He has two shutouts in his previous three outings (3-0-0) and has saved 77 of 79 shots (.975 SV%). The Senators enter Thursday's contest as slight -106 home favorites against a Washington Capitals team outscoring their opposition 7-1 during a two-game winning streak.









