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Columbus Blue Jackets News
Merzlikins will start vs. Montreal on Wednesday.

The Blue Jackets have been a part of some rollercoaster outings lately, most recently a 5-4 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, and are riding a three-game winning streak. Despite an up-and-down 2024-25 campaign, Merzlikins has been serviceable between the pipes, including posting a .890 SV% during a four-game winning streak. The Blue Jackets enter Wednesday's contest as -167 home favorites against a Montreal Canadiens club that was defeated 3-2 in overtime last night by the Utah Hockey Club.

Elvis Merzlikins
Merzlikins will start Saturday vs. the Hurricanes.

Merzlikins surrendered six goals on 30 shots in the Blue Jackets 7-6 win over the Lightning on Thursday. It wasn't his best performance, but he did enough to earn his third-straight victory. Since returning from a personal leave, Merzlikins has gone 5-3-1 with a 2.88 GAA, .902 SV% and one shutout in nine appearances. He draws a tough assignment vs. a Hurricanes team with the third-most goals per game (3.9) in the NHL this season.

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

Merzlikins surrendered six goals on 30 shots in the Blue Jackets 7-6 win over the Lightning on Thursday. It wasn't his best performance but he did enough to earn his third-straight victory. Since returning from a personal leave, Merzlikins has gone 5-3-1 with a 2.88 GAA, .902 SV% and one shutout in nine appearances. He draws a tough assignment vs. a Hurricanes team with the third-most goals per game (3.9) in the NHL this season.

Elvis Merzlikins
Merzlikins will start vs. Tampa Bay on Thursday.

The Blue Jackets have had an up-and-down season, mirrored by the play of Merzlikins, who will return to the crease on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has a 2.72 GAA and .905 SV% in 10 games (4-5-1) and has been extra impressive lately, winning two straight and posting a .942 SV%. The Blue Jackets enter the action on Thursday as +146 home underdogs against a Lightning club riding a three-game winning streak.

Elvis Merzlikins
Johnson (shoulder) has been activated from IR and is expected to return on Thursday.

Johnson has not played since October 17th due to an upper-body injury but is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 22-year-old Johnson showed signs of a true breakout campaign before his injury, with two goals and three assists in his first four games. The Blue Jackets loaned Mikael Pyyhtia to the Cleveland Monsters (AHL) to accommodate Johnson's return.

Kent Johnson
Johnson (upper-body) is expected to return on Thursday vs. Tampa Bay.

Johnson has not played since October 17th due to an upper-body injury but is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 22-year-old Johnson showed signs of a true breakout campaign before his injury, with two goals and three assists in his first four games. The Blue Jackets loaned Mikael Pyyhtia to the Cleveland Monsters (AHL) to accommodate Johnson's return.

Kent Johnson
Merzlikins will start in Boston on Monday.

Merzlikins helped the Blue Jackets snap a six-game losing skid in his previous outing, saving 21 of 23 shots (.913 SV%) in a 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, but they returned to the losing column in the following game. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has a 2.92 GAA and .898 SV% in nine games this season (3-5-1). The Blue Jackets enter the action as +165 road underdogs against the Boston Bruins.

Elvis Merzlikins
Merzlikins will start vs. Pittsburgh on Friday.

The Blue Jackets have lost six straight, with Merzlikins on the hook for four of them, but will roll with the Latvian goalie on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has shown flashes of strong play this season but has been inconsistent, including allowing four or more goals in three of his previous four outings (0-3-1), posting an ugly .872 SV%. The Blue Jackets enter Friday's contest as +115 home underdogs against a Penguins club riding a two-game losing skid (0-1-1).

Elvis Merzlikins