"So you're supposed to just dump it in, cross the red line, rim it around the boards, and run to fight for it. First time I heard that, I was like, 'What?' But I was like, 'Yeah, yeah, sure,' then I'd hit the ice and still kind of do my own thing. I'm not a fan of dump-and-chase hockey."
Leevi Merilainen is a tall and rangy goaltender who showed some glimpses of excellence in 12 appearances last season. The Senators are a playoff team, and they won't be able to wait out any goalie struggles in the loaded Atlantic Division.
"I said it from day one, we didn't have enough cap space to go after the big fish. But it's small steps that are not hurting us for the future... It brings some hope and shows the fans and players on the team that we're taking steps forward."