It has already been reported that on Wednesday Merzlikin saved all 26 shots from the opponents, helping the home team Columbus “Blue Jackets” to win 2:0 (0:0, 0:0, 2:0), but two days earlier he managed 31 out of 32 against the Edmonton “Oilers” ” hockey players’ shots, only capitulating 27 seconds before the final whistle.
In Wednesday’s game against the Islanders, the Latvian goalkeeper recorded his first “dry” game this season and the 11th “dry” match in his NHL career.
“It’s nice to win matches,” Merzlikin said after the win over New York. “We must continue to work in the same spirit as now. We must go forward step by step.”
This season, Merzlikin has played four games in which he won two games, went undefeated once, lost an average of 2.05 goals per match and saved 92.5% of shots.
“It’s a nice feeling to finish the match without conceding a goal. But it’s not just my credit, it’s the credit of the whole team. They help me a lot,” said the Latvian goalkeeper. “This is our overall “dry” game. But it could have been two in a row.”
During his NHL career, the Latvian had 195 matches, 70 wins, 11 “dry” games, an average of 3.18 goals conceded and 90.4% of saved shots.
The Blue Jackets are seventh in the Eastern Conference with 11 points in nine games.
The Columbus team will play their next game on Friday, when they will continue the series of home games against Winnipeg “Jets” hockey players.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Hockey Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to the Time.news podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with hockey expert, Alex Thompson, who will help us delve into the recent performances of NHL goaltender Elvis Merzlikin. Thanks for joining us, Alex!
Alex Thompson: Thanks for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss hockey, especially when a player is on such a hot streak!
Editor: Absolutely! Let’s dive right in. Merzlikin recently achieved a remarkable feat by saving all 26 shots against the Columbus Blue Jackets to secure a 2-0 victory over the Islanders. What did you think about that game?
Thompson: It was an impressive performance for sure. Saving all shots on goal in a game is no small task, especially considering the pressure that comes with a home crowd and the stakes involved. Merzlikin showed incredible poise and skill, solidifying his reputation as a reliable goalie for the Blue Jackets.
Editor: Interestingly, just two days prior, he had faced the Edmonton Oilers and saved 31 out of 32 shots, only conceding a goal with just 27 seconds left on the clock. How significant is it to perform at such a high level consistently like that?
Thompson: Consistency is key for any goaltender in the NHL. Performances like those back-to-back are vital for building confidence not only for Merzlikin himself but also for the team. It sends a message that he can be depended upon in high-pressure situations, which is invaluable as the season progresses and playoff contention comes into play.
Editor: Indeed! And considering the high-scoring nature of today’s game, shutting out teams like the Islanders is quite a feat. How does that affect his standing in the league?
Thompson: Shutouts always catch the attention of coaches and fans alike. Having a few under your belt can elevate a goaltender’s status among the league’s elite. It boosts his stats, which could lead to awards and recognition down the line, and it also impacts his teammates’ morale. If they know their goalie is on point defensively, it allows them to play with more freedom offensively.
Editor: Speaking of freedom on the ice, how important do you think communication is between a goaltender and the defense?
Thompson: Communication is crucial! A successful defensive strategy hinges on how well the goalie interacts with his defensemen. Merzlikin’s ability to clearly convey what he sees on the ice can help prevent breakdowns that might lead to scoring chances for the opponent. It builds trust and allows for a more cohesive unit overall.
Editor: Very insightful! Lastly, given this upward trend in performance, what can we expect from Merzlikin as the season progresses?
Thompson: If he can maintain this level of play, I foresee him having a standout season. He’s already shown resilience and skill, and if he continues to make those crucial saves, he could be a significant factor for the Blue Jackets’ playoff push. Fans should definitely keep an eye on him—he might just be the breakout star they need this season!
Editor: Great insights, Alex! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s exciting to see how Merzlikin will shape the season ahead for the Blue Jackets.
Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s always great to chat hockey, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds.