Columbus Blue Jackets News

Merzlikins will start on Friday vs. Colorado.

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.

Elvis Merzlikins
Jiricek has been recalled from Cleveland (AHL) on an emergency basis.

Jiricek has been in Cleveland (AHL) since early January but will head back to Columbus on Thursday on an emergency basis. The 20-year-old rookie defenseman has played well despite only averaging 14:46 TOI per game this season, with a goal, eight assists, 33 SOG, 20 PIMs, and a -1 plus/minus through 36 games played.

David Jiricek
Tarasov will start on Tuesday in Detroit.

Tarasov has been excellent lately but has served as the backup in two of the last three games. He will return to the crease on Tuesday and look to continue his streak of allowing three or fewer goals in eight straight games, including saving 39 of 41 shots (.951 SV%) in his last outing, a 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. The Blue Jackets enter action as +150 road underdogs against a Detroit Red Wings club with only one win in their last nine games (1-8-0).

Daniil Tarasov
Christiansen has been recalled form Cleveland (AHL) on Friday on an emergency basis.

Christiansen played three games with the Blue Jackets earlier this season but has spent most of the 2023-24 campaign in the AHL. He has 40 points (13G / 27A) in 54 games with the Cleveland Monsters (AHL) and could slot into the Blue Jackets lineup after being recalled due to Adam Boqvist suffering an upper-body injury.

Jake Christiansen
19+ | Please play responsibly! | Terms and Conditions apply