Elvis Merzlikins Returns as Backup Thursday

Elvis Merzlikins has recovered from illness and will serve as the backup goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, backing up Jet Greaves against Dallas. Merzlikins left Tuesday's game due to illness, allowing two goals on seven shots in a 4-1 defeat. He has an 8-8-1 record with a 3.81 GAA and .882 save percentage in 18 games this season.