Senators loan G Leevi Merilainen to AHL Belleville, recall Hunter Shepard

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.

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.