Elvis Merzlikins Secures Second Straight Win, Stops 22 Shots Against Blackhawks

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will make his second consecutive start on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks, following a 24-save performance in a 5-3 victory over Philadelphia. He stopped 22 shots in the 4-2 win over the Blackhawks, earning his third straight full start victory with a .922 save percentage in that span. Merzlikins holds a 9-8-1 record this season with a 3.76 GAA and an .882 save percentage across 19 appearances. With Columbus allowing the second-most shots per game, Merzlikins is expected to remain busy.