Merilainen will guard the home goal versus the Rangers on Friday, Canucks play-by-play announcer Brendan Batchelor reports.
Merilainen has lost his last five games, allowing 17 goals on 125 shots in that span. The 24-year-old still remains the Canucks' top goalie despite his struggles, as Kevin Lankinen has provided virtually no challenge to that status. The Rangers have scored just 15 goals over their last six games, which could afford Merilainen a chance to get on track.