Both Elvis Merzlikins and Joonas Korpisalo are dealing with non-COVID illnesses, so Daniil Tarasov has been recalled and is expected to start Thursday.
Merzlikins allowed five goals on 41 shots (.878 SV%) in the Blue Jackets loss to the Rangers on Saturday. It was a rare rough outing for Merzlikins, who is 5-2-0 with a 2.42 GAA and .929 SV% in seven starts this season. In five career starts vs. the Red Wings, Merzlikins is 2-2-1 with a 1.60 GAA and .945 SV%.
Merzlikins allowed five goals on 41 shots (.878 SV%) in the Blue Jackets loss to the Rangers on Saturday. It was a rare rough outing for Merzlikins, who is 5-2-0 with a 2.42 GAA and .929 SV% in seven starts this season. In five career starts vs. the Red Wings, Merzlikins is 2-2-1 with a 1.60 GAA and .945 SV%.
Merzlikins missed some time with injuries in 2021 but the Blue Jackets are committed to him as their No.1 option on Tuesday, signing him to a five-year deal. Merzlikins greatly outperformed Joonas Korpisalo last year, posting a .916 SV% in 28 appearances and has breakout potential for 2022.