Senators Shut Out Islanders 2-0

The Ottawa Senators secured a 2-0 victory against the New York Islanders, marking their third consecutive win, largely thanks to rookie goaltender Leevi Merilainen's second shutout in three games. Adam Gaudette and Artem Zub scored the goals, with Gaudette overcoming an initial disallowed goal due to interference. Merilainen's performance comes amidst injuries to key goaltenders Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg, positioning him as a vital player in Ottawa's playoff push. Despite the Islanders' efforts, including a strong performance by former Senators goalie Marcus Hogberg, they couldn't break through Merilainen's defenses. The Senators' recent victories, including a win over the Dallas Stars that snapped their seven-game streak, highlight Merilainen's growing confidence and reliability. Ottawa remains in contention for a wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.