Merilainen Gets Back-to-Back Start vs. Rangers After Canucks Win

Leevi Merilainen is scheduled to start Wednesday's road game against the Rangers, marking his second consecutive start. James Reimer will serve as his backup, following Hunter Shepard's reassignment to AHL Belleville. Merilainen is coming off a strong performance, stopping 19 of 20 shots in Tuesday's win over the Canucks. However, he previously received an early hook when starting consecutive days against the Avalanche on Jan. 8, adding an element of caution to this back-to-back outing.