Blue Jackets’ Elvis Merzlikins allayed injury concerns after missing the Olympics
Columbus Blue Jackets fans were probably already frustrated that the NHL season had to go on hiatus just when their team was ignition of the competitionbut that nervousness briefly turned to anxiety during Thursday’s Winter Olympics game between the United States and Latvia. The Anderdos pulled goaltender Elvis Merzlikins early in the third period, leaving people to speculate about his condition.
Fortunately, the 31-year-old Latvian is feeling well. The change had to do with the complexion of the game, not anything health-related. Merzlikins fully supported the decision.
“Sam said it was to change the energy and he agreed,” NHL.com’s Dan Rosen reported after Latvia’s 5-1 loss. “So there’s nothing to worry about for Blue Jackets fans.”
Columbus is 11-1 since Jan. 11 and now sits just four points behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild card slot in the Eastern Conference. Recently named head coach Rick Bowness, who is caused this unexpected revivalsurely wants to maintain as much continuity as possible in the roster after the Olympic break. He also wants his netminder to be sharp.
Merzlikins allowed four goals on 32 shots against Team USA. Two successful challenges took two more off the board and prevented more damage. Latvia will trust him to shake off a rough game and bounce back against Germany on Saturday. When the global showdown is over, the Blue Jackets (29-20-7) hope to have a healthy and solid goalie to play behind the young and impressive Jet Greaves.
Elvis Merzlikins is 11-8-1 with a .888 save percentage and 3.49 goals against average this season.
2026-02-13 08:11:00
