Columbus Blue Jackets News

Elvis Merzlikins is considered day-to-day as he deals with a "lingering illness".

Merzlikins' nightmarish 2022-23 season adds one more piece to the puzzle as the 28-year-old netminder is now considered day-to-day with a lingering illness. It has been rough goings for the goaltender who holds the league's worst SV% (.865 SV%) and GAA (4.62) so he will be hoping to return to the Blue Jackets' when he is over the illness.

Elvis Merzlikins
Merzlikins will start Tuesday in Tampa.

Merlikins allowed one goal on only 19 shots (.947 SV%) but took the hard-luck loss for his third straight defeat as he was downed by Washington in his last start. The 28-year-old currently has the league's worst SV%, with his .865 SV%, and glaringly ugly 4.52 GAA to go along with his 4-10-0 record. He will be hoping for some more positive luck as he takes on Tampa Bay, who has lost their last two games but still rank sixth in the NHL in goals for per game (3.47).

Elvis Merzlikins
Merzlikins is expected to start Tuesday in Tampa.

Merlikins allowed one goal on only 19 shots (.947 SV%) but took the hard-luck loss for his third straight defeat as he was downed by Washington in his last start. The 28-year-old currently has the league's worst SV%, with his .865 SV%, and glaringly ugly 4.52 GAA to go along with his 4-10-0 record. He will be hoping for some more positive luck as he takes on Tampa Bay, who has lost their last two games but still rank sixth in the NHL in goals for per game (3.47).

Elvis Merzlikins
Merzlikins will start Thursday vs. the Capitals.

Merzlikins allowed three goals on 25 shots (.880 SV%) to snap a two-game winning streak as he was downed by Florida in his last start. The 28-year-old has the league's lowest SV% with his .864 SV%, 4.68 GAA and 4-8-0 record. He draws the tough task of the Washington Capitals, who have won six of their last eight games after dropping their previous contest 5-4 to Buffalo in overtime.

Elvis Merzlikins
Merzlikins is in the starter's crease at the Bue Jackets morning skate.

Merzlikins allowed three goals on 25 shots (.880 SV%) to snap a two-game winning streak as he was downed by Florida in his last start. The 28-year-old has the league's lowest SV% with his .864 SV%, 4.68 GAA and 4-8-0 record. He draws the tough task of the Washington Capitals, who have won six of their last eight games after dropping their previous contest 5-4 to Buffalo in overtime.

Elvis Merzlikins
Cole Sillinger will return to the Blue Jackets' lineup Thursday (undisclosed).

Sillinger's second NHL season has not been going as planned, as he has two goals, six points, 41 SOG across 30 GP and will return to the lineup after missing his first two games of the year due to an undisclosed injury. The 19-year-old entered the season with high hopes after putting up 31 points (16G/15A) in 79 GP in his rookie season last year.

Cole Sillinger
Tarasov will start Friday in Chicago.

Tarasov allowed four goals on 38 shots (.895 SV%) as he picked up his fourth straight loss in a defeat to Philadelphia in his previous game. The 23-year-old has been leaned on heavily lately and played well despite what his 2-7-1 record may show, as he has a .913 SV% and 3.13 GAA. He will hope for better fortunes against the Chicago Blackhawks, who have lost their last eight games and are last in the NHL in goals per game with 2.26.

Daniil Tarasov
19+ | Please play responsibly! | Terms and Conditions apply