What Happened
Leevi Merilainen, claimed on waivers from the Ottawa Senators just before the season began, has started six of the Vancouver Canucks' last eight games, including three straight, according to Sportsnet. The 24-year-old has outplayed veteran Kevin Lankinen while starter Thatcher Demko continues rehabbing from major hip surgery last February. Head coach Manny Malhotra said Friday that managing Merilainen's workload is part of the conversation, calling it the next step in his progression as a young goalie.
Key Details
- Merilainen was claimed on waivers from Ottawa before the season started.
- He has started six of Vancouver's last eight games, including three in a row.
- Demko is rehabbing from major hip surgery performed last February.
- Merilainen allowed three goals on 24 shots in Thursday's 3-2 loss to San Jose.
- His save percentage dipped to .898, below .900 for the first time this season.
- Malhotra said the team must be careful not to overplay him.
What It Means
Vancouver entered the season without Demko and has leaned on a waiver pickup in his place. Merilainen's run echoes last season in Ottawa, when he started 11 straight games in December and January before returning to the AHL after the Senators signed James Reimer. The Canucks now face a workload question with a young goalie who has never carried a starter's minutes over a full NHL season.
What's Next
Vancouver practised Friday ahead of Saturday's home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, per Sportsnet. Demko's rehab timeline has not been specified, so the split between Merilainen and Lankinen remains a game-to-game decision.