Merilainen makes strong first start for Canucks

VANCOUVER — Goaltender Leevi Merilainen made a strong first start for the Vancouver Canucks, helping them beat the Calgary Flames 41 on Saturday night. The 24yearold, claimed on waivers from the Ottawa Senators late last month, stopped 23 shots and earned praise from coach Manny Malhotra and teammates. His standout moment came late in the second period when he denied Zayne Parekh on a Calgary 3on1 rush while Vancouver was trailing 10. The Canucks turned the game around with four thirdperiod goals. Liam O'Connor scored and assisted on Elias Pettersson's goahead goal, while Drew O'Connor and Aatu Raty added emptynet and late insurance goals. Matt Coronato scored Calgary's lone goal, and Devin Cooley made 23 saves for the Flames. Merilainen said the fresh start in Vancouver has been exciting after spending four seasons in Ottawa's system. He also said he enjoyed the physical style of the game and felt ready after a brief appearance earlier in the week.