Elvis Merzlikins Starts Thursday Despite Recent Struggles

Elvis Merzlikins will get the starting nod at home against the Senators on Thursday. The Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender has struggled recently, giving up five or more goals in four of his last five outings, posting a 2-2-1 record and an .850 save percentage during that span. Due to his performance, Merzlikins has been relegated to the No. 2 role in Columbus behind Jet Greaves, though he could play his way back into a split share of duties with improved play.