The Blue Jackets have been outscored 10-4 in their past two games (0-1-1) and will turn to Merzlikins to tend the twine on Friday against the Colorado Avalanche. Merzlikins has lost three straight, including a forgettable performance in his last outing, allowing six goals on 27 shots (.778 SV%) in a 6-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The Blue Jackets enter action as enormous +329 road underdogs.
The Blue Jackets will return to Merzlikins between the pipes after a forgettable performance in his last outing. On Tuesday, Merzlikins allowed three goals on four shots (.250 SV%) before being pulled in the first period en route to a disappointing 3-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Before that, Merzlikins had been playing well, allowing two or fewer goals in three straight starts (2-1-0). The Blue Jackets enter action as +109 home underdogs against the Ottawa Senators.
Merzlikins has not started since March 2nd, but he will return to the crease on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens. Merzlikins allowed three goals on 30 shots (.900 SV%) in his last outing against the Canadiens, a 4-2 loss in November. That said, he has allowed two or fewer goals in his last three starts (2-1-0), including saving 26 of 28 (.929 SV%) in a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in his last contest.
Merzlikins has not played the last four games but will likely return to the crease on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens. Despite his recent inactivity, Merzlikins has been solid lately, allowing only two goals in each of his last three outings (2-1-0), including saving 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%) in his last outing, a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Merzlikins was terrific against the New York Rangers on Sunday, saving 38 of 40 shots (.950 SV%) in a 4-2 victory, and will return to the crease in a rematch on Wednesday night. The Latvian netminder has a 3-2-0 record and a .920 SV% in his last five starts (3-2-0) while allowing three or fewer goals in all but one contest. That said, Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets are significant +211 road underdogs heading into action on Wednesday night.
Merzlikins will tend the twine for the Blue Jackets on Tuesday, his third start in their last four games. The Latvian netminder has won two of his last three outings (2-1-0) and saved 28 of 31 shots (.903 SV%) on Saturday in a 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks. That said, the Blue Jackets are sizeable +215 road underdogs on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings.
Columbus will continue to swap their goalies game by game as Merzlikins takes the crease for the second time in three games Tuesday in St. Louis. The 29-year-old made it public knowledge earlier in the season that he would like to be traded but has remained with Columbus and carries a 8-10-7 record, 3.35 GAA and .901 SV%. He takes on the red-hot St. Louis Blues, who have surprisingly won four straight games by the score of 4-3 and are currently on a five game winning streak.
After serving as the backup for six straight games, Merzlikins will start for the third straight time on Tuesday evening. Merzlikins allowed four goals on 32 shots (.875 SV%) in his last outing, a 4-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils, his first regulation loss since the beginning of December. Before that, Merzlikins was sporting a respectable .905 SV% in his last seven appearances (3-0-3). That said, Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets are overwhelming +298 road underdogs against a scorching Edmonton Oilers club searching for their 14th straight victory.
After not playing for six straight games, a strong outing in the Blue Jackets last contest on Tuesday has prompted them to turn to Merzlikins again on Friday. The Latvian netminder saved 27 of 30 shots (.900 SV%) in a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, his first win since December 14th. Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets are +134 home underdogs against a struggling and injury-depleted New Jersey Devils squad that has lost two straight, being outscored 6-2.
Merzlikins got the win on Friday but was not available for Saturday's game in Buffalo due to illness. Returning to practice on Monday sets Merzlikins up for a start Tuesday vs. the Bruins.
Merzlikins played the entirety of the first period of Friday's game but did not come out for the start of the second period due to an illness. Spencer Martin has entered the game in his place. Merzlikins is questionable to return.
