Prospect Info: 71st Overall Leevi Merilainen G, Fin, Karpat Jr

[aragorn]

Is he EK —> Demelo —> ?

Who knows how good he will be or if he can even make the transition? Gustavsson could turn into a very good goalie, but so could Sogaard & Merilainen or they might all be close & not quite good enough, who knows with goalies? And how the team plays in front of them is equally as important, the system & the defence & whether forwards come back to help.

It takes all 19 guys every game to make it work & try to reduce mistakes especially in their own end. Reduce the goals against & you increase the chances of winning & playing successful hockey.

 

[Sweatred]

Who knows how good he will be or if he can even make the transition? Gustavsson could turn into a very good goalie, but so could Sogaard & Merilainen or they might all be close & not quite good enough, who knows with goalies? And how the team plays in front of them is equally as important, the system & the defence & whether forwards come back to help.

It takes all 19 guys every game to make it work & try to reduce mistakes especially in their own end. Reduce the goals against & you increase the chances of winning & playing successful hockey.

I just meant if you knew if he was the pick we got from Demelo.

 

[aragorn]

I just meant if you knew if he was the pick we got from Demelo.

Oh sorry, I have no idea, I don't really keep track of that. How you doing?

 

[Sweatred]

Oh sorry, I have no idea, I don't really keep track of that. How you doing?

Well thanks … thrilled to watch the game tonight with Norris back… one day soon we’ll get to see where Pinto/Stutzle each end up slotting . Hope you’re
well.

 

[aragorn]

Well thanks … thrilled to watch the game tonight with Norris back… one day soon we’ll get to see where Pinto/Stutzle each end up slotting . Hope you’re
well.

Yep, should be interesting how they can stop the high scoring Panthers tonight. Doing well too, getting a little tired of comstantly cleaning the driveway, it's looking more & more like the warm weather is close. Enjoy the game.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Interesting that Karpat obtained goalie Niclas Westerholm from SaiPa and then signed Westerholm through 2024-25.

Wondering if this is in anticipation of both Merilainen and Blomqvist heading to North America next season or if the club plans on using the 25-year-old rather than the two youngsters in the playoffs?

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

 

[Ouroboros]

He's here and he's perfect.

 

[AchtzehnBaby]

Ncpmong

 

[coladin]

Welcome aboard , kid! The latest prospect that made Gus expendable. Hope he is The One.

 

[AchtzehnBaby]

 

[AchtzehnBaby]

Welcome aboard , kid! The latest prospect that made Gus expendable. Hope he is The One.

Grogu - Google Search

 

[AchtzehnBaby]

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

While he’s up with the NHL, and with season winding down, with Ottawa’s chances Odds of making the playoffs at 0.6%…. Give him a start, there’s nothing to lose, and there’s no reason to keep playing Talbot, who probably will not be back with the Sens next season

 

[Burrowsaurus]

While he’s up with the NHL, and with season winding down, with Ottawa’s chances Odds of making the playoffs at 0.6%…. Give him a start, there’s nothing to lose, and there’s no reason to keep playing Talbot, who probably will not be back with the Sens next season

Yeah I’m starting to agree with this. Not sure the guys want to battle for Talbot at this point anyway

 

[aragorn]

While he’s up with the NHL, and with season winding down, with Ottawa’s chances Odds of making the playoffs at 0.6%…. Give him a start, there’s nothing to lose, and there’s no reason to keep playing Talbot, who probably will not be back with the Sens next season

They have been luckier playing rookie goalies in their first games moreso than playing the vet who has been packing his bags for a while now.

 

[Sun God Nika]

Not a great value for a 3rd round pick.

Pretty good value. I think he has #1 potential. 20 years old and already getting a NHL start.

 

[Ice-Tray]

Merri!!!!!

 

[Liver King]

thrown to the wolves! Go Leevi

 

[Larionov]

I'll admit that I am nervous about this decision. I'm just hoping that the kid doesn't get shelled, if he does that he has the kind of personality that can shake it off easily. I understand why they are doing it, though - at this point Talbot looks completely broken, and the guys don't want to play for him anymore. On the flip side, they'll be excited about a rookie goalie's NHL debut, and will all want to play hard for him. It definitely makes me want to tune in, whereas I was dreading this one if Talbot was back in...

Yeah I’m starting to agree with this. Not sure the guys want to battle for Talbot at this point anyway

It is just so deflating when your goalie can't make a save for you. The whole bench just sags when another muffin goes in - it's a total energy vampire. You start playing a really weird game, desperately trying not to give up shots and completely abandoning any flow you might have had...

 

[Ice-Tray]

I'll admit that I am nervous about this decision. I'm just hoping that the kid doesn't get shelled, if he does that he has the kind of personality that can shake it off easily. I understand why they are doing it, though - at this point Talbot looks completely broken, and the guys don't want to play for him anymore. On the flip side, they'll be excited about a rookie goalie's NHL debut, and will all want to play hard for him. It definitely makes me want to tune in, whereas I was dreading this one if Talbot was back in...


It is just so deflating when your goalie can't make a save for you. The whole bench just sags when another muffin goes in - it's a total energy vampire. You start playing a really weird game, desperately trying not to give up shots and completely abandoning any flow you might have had...

He does well when shelled though

He’s the 4 rookie to get a game, and the third playing his first this season, so he’s going to fit right in. We have 7 rookies in the lineup again I believe so he’ll be in good company.

So stoked to see this laughed at pick rise to dark horse, to excellent season, to first NHL game. Gotta find that diamond in the rough goalie somewhere.

 

[bicboi64]

If there's ever a time that the rest of the team digs down to play their best to make sure a rookie goalie's first start isn't horrific, its now. Can't wait to see how Levi Merlainen performs

 

[Burrowsaurus]

If there's ever a time that the rest of the team digs down to play their best to make sure a rookie goalie's first start isn't horrific, its now. Can't wait to see how Levi Merlainen performs

We left sogaard put to dry in must win games.

 

[Sun God Nika]

Kid looks calm and collected !

 

[umma gumma]

I think Leevi is mentally strong because he knows crying won't help him and praying will do him no good.