Merzlikins Exits Senators Game Early Due to Illness

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins exited Tuesday's game against the Ottawa Senators early due to an illness and is questionable to return. He allowed two goals on seven shots in the first period before being replaced by Jet Greaves. Merzlikins is considered day-to-day ahead of Thursday's game versus the Stars. He was initially scheduled to make his third consecutive start, aiming for a third straight win after stopping 59 of 63 shots (.937 save percentage) in his last two outings against the Canucks and Penguins. However, he had previously been chased by the Senators on Dec. 11 after allowing three goals on five shots.