Merilainen was the first goalie off during Thursday's morning skate, Max Miller of NHL.com reports, indicating that he'll draw the road start against San Jose.
Merilainen returned to the win column Tuesday against Anaheim for the first time since Oct. 3, and he'll draw a third consecutive start Thursday. Across his nine appearances to begin the regular season, he's gone 2-3-1 with a 3.35 GAA and .900 save percentage.