Looking for a reset, Leevi Merilainen is on his way to Belleville.
The Ottawa Senators loaned their goaltender to the American Hockey League's Belleville Senators after a tough stretch in the NHL, the team announced Tuesday.
In a corresponding move, Ottawa recalled goaltender Hunter Shepard.
Merilainen last suited up for Ottawa on Jan. 17 against the Montreal Canadiens, when he gave up six goals on 19 shots in a 6-5 overtime loss.
Though he managed wins in the two games prior, against the Vancouver Cnaucks and New York Rangers, the 23-year-old has struggled mightily this season after impressing in stints last year.
The Oulu, Finland, native has a 3.51 goals-against average and .860 save percentage in 20 appearances this year.
Shepard, meanwhile, has made only one start in the NHL this season, suiting up in a 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 5.
Over his three-year NHL career, the 30-year-old has a 2-3-1 record with a 3.88 GAA and .863 save percentage.
In 13 games with Belleville this season, Shepard has a 6-6-1 record with a 3.45 GAA and .895 save percentage.
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