The Blue Jackets are on the second half of a back-to-back after beating Buffalo 4-3 on Tuesday and will continue their goal rotation as they turn back to Elvis Merlikins vs. Toronto on Wednesday. Despite splitting starts, Merzlikins has been sensational in 2025-26, with his 3-1-0 record, .915 SV% and 2.96 GAA. He will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, who will be looking for a third straight win after their 4-3 victory over Calgary the night before.

The Blue Jackets have had an up-and-down start to the 2025-26 season, showcasing a 2-3-0 record, and will turn to Merzlikins between the pipes on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars. Merzlikins has been adequate when called upon, posting a 3.54 GAA and .920 SV%. He has been splitting time in the Blue Jackets' crease with Jet Greaves and will likely continue to do so until one of them pulls away with momentum. The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as +168 road underdogs against a Stars team amid a two-game losing skid.

The Blue Jackets have alternated goalies through the first three games of the regular season and will continue that trend in game four on Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche, awarding Merzlikins his second start of 2025-26. The 31-year-old Merzlikins played well in his only contest this season, despite allowing four goals, saving a whopping 48 of 52 shots (.923 SV%) in a 7-4 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's contest as +139 home underdogs against an Avalanche team that has outscored its opponents 13-8 through four games this season (3-0-1).

The Blue Jackets have alternated goalies through the first three games of the regular season and will continue that trend in game four on Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche, awarding Merzlikins his second start of 2025-26. The 31-year-old Merzlikins played well in his only contest this season, despite allowing four goals, saving a whopping 48 of 52 shots (.923 SV%) in a 7-4 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's contest as +139 home underdogs against an Avalanche team that has outscored its opponents 13-8 through four games this season (3-0-1).

Jet Greaves was between the pipes for the Blue Jackets' 2-1 opening night loss to the Nashville Predators, but the team will turn to Merzlikins for their second game on Saturday against the Minnesota Wild. Minnesota had an impressive showing in its first game of the season, defeating the St. Louis Blues 5-0. The 31-year-old Merzlikins has struggled over the past few seasons, including posting a 3.18 GAA and .892 SV% in 53 games (26-21-5) in 2024-25, and now faces the pressure of Greaves looming in his shadow in 2025-26.

Merzlikins did not suit up on Thursday after exiting practice early and will miss at least one more game. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has a 3.18 GAA and .892 SV% in 53 games this season (26-21-5).

Merzlikins was practicing in the starter's crease at the Blue Jackets' morning skate on Thursday, but has suffered an undisclosed injury and will not play against the Buffalo Sabres. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has a 3.18 GAA and .892 SV% in 53 games this season (26-21-5).

The Blue Jackets have been outscored 16-3 in their last three games (0-3-0), effectively removing them from the race for a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Still, they will remain hopeful with Merzlikins between the pipes on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators. Merzlikins played well in a relief appearance against the Senators on Sunday, saving 22 of 23 shots (.957 SV%) in a 4-0 loss. The 30-year-old goalie has a 3.20 GAA and .891 SV% in 52 games this season (25-21-5). The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest +105 home underdogs against a Senators team outscoring their opposition 9-1 during a three-game winning streak.

The Blue Jackets remain within reach of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference and will turn to Merzlikins between the pipes on Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche. Merzlikins has struggled lately, allowing 13 goals on 98 shots in his last three games (.867 SV%), but has received adequate goal support, pulling off a 3-0-0 record despite his less-than-stellar statistics. He has a 3.11 GAA and .894 SV% in 49 games this season (25-19-5). The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's contest as +123 home favorites against an Avalanche team coming off a 3-2 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks last night.

The Blue Jackets are desperately trying to stay within reach of a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference and will turn to Merzlikins between the pipes on Tuesday against the Nashville Predators. The 30-year-old Merzlikins struggled in his most recent outing, allowing six goals on 37 shots (.838 SV%) despite recording the victory in a 7-6 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks. He has a 3.09 GAA and .895 SV% in 48 appearances this season (24-19-5). The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as -191 home favorites against a Predators team that lost 2-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers last night.

The Blue Jackets snapped a six-game losing skid in their most recent outing when Merzlikins saved 30 of 33 shots (.909 SV%) in a 4-3 win over the New York Islanders. They will roll Merzlikins between the pipes on Friday against the Vancouver Canucks as they try to stay within reach of a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has a 3.03 GAA and .896 SV% in 47 games this season (23-19-5). The Blue Jackets enter Friday's contest as -125 home favorites against a Canucks squad riding a two-game winning streak.

The Blue Jackets, amid a six-game losing skid (0-5-1), are desperately trying to stay in contention for a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference and will turn to Merzlikins between the pipes on Monday against the New York Islanders. The 30-year-old Merzlikins struggled in his most recent outing, allowing five goals on 33 shots (.848 SV%) in a 6-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has a 3.04 GAA and .896 SV% in 46 games this season (22-19-5). The Blue Jackets enter Monday's contest as +114 road underdogs against an Islanders team with points in five straight games (2-0-3).