Columbus Blue Jackets Suffer Second Consecutive Loss, Merzlikin Benched for Saturday’s Game
Vancouver, BC - The Columbus Blue Jackets fell to the Calgary Flames 3-1 on Thursday, marking their second straight defeat after a previously strong start to the season.Goaltender Dustin Wolff stood out for Calgary, saving 42 shots and earning the second star of the game, while Nazem Kadri, who scored the game-winning goal, was named the first star.
Despite the loss,the Blue Jackets’ goaltending situation is drawing attention. Following a painful defeat against the New York Islanders where they relinquished a lead in the final 67 seconds, the team is turning to a different netminder for their upcoming game. While Elvi Merzlikin has a 91.7% save percentage in six games with four wins, he will be replaced in goal by an as-yet-unnamed goaltender for Saturday’s match against the Vancouver canucks.
Currently, the Flames remain in last place in the Western Conference with a record of four wins in 15 games and ten points overall. Simultaneously occurring, Columbus’s recent setbacks come after a promising start, with goaltenders Greaves and Merzlikin posting solid numbers – Greaves with a 90.7% save percentage over seven games and three wins.
Elsewhere in the league, the Vancouver Canucks lost 5-2 to the Chicago Blackhawks at home. Forward Teodors Blügers,recovering from injury,has returned to training but remains unavailable for Saturday’s game against Columbus. Chicago’s Tyler Bertuzzi scored a hat-trick in the third period, contributing to the Blackhawks’ victory and moving them ahead of Vancouver in the Western Conference standings. Connor Bedard also extended his points streak to six games with a goal and an assist.
