Merzlikins to Start for Blue Jackets as Latvian Players Featured in Multiple NHL Matchups
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will again guard the net tonight, seeking to build on his recent victory as the team faces the detroit Red Wings. The game is scheduled for 2:30 Latvian time. Merzlikins secured a 5-3 win against the New Jersey Devils in his last start,saving 31 of 34 shots – his frist win since late October after a four-game losing streak in November.
TonightS NHL schedule also includes matchups featuring fellow Latvian players Zemgus girgensons and Artūrs Šilovs. Girgensons and the Tampa Bay Lightning will host Šilovs and the Pittsburgh Penguins at 2:00 Latvian time, though it remains unconfirmed whether Šilovs will start in goal for the Penguins. Additionally,Uvis Balinskis and the Florida Panthers will compete against the Nashville Predators simultaneously.
According to the Blue Jackets’ official insider, Jeff Svoboda, forward kirill Marchenko will return to the lineup after missing four games with a lower-body injury, while Boone jenner will remain sidelined. Luca Del Bel Belluz will play, replacing Luca Pinelli and Zach Aston-Reese.
