On Friday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Detroit Red Wings, 2-0. This was goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins’ 5th shut out in 8 games. This is the first time a rookie goaltender has done this since 1929. Merzlikins also leads the NHL in shutouts.
Merzlikins has been red hot since taking the place of all star goaltender, Joonas Korpisalo, after he went down with an injury in his December 29th appearance against the Chicago Blackhawks.
In Saturday nights game against the Colorado Avalanche, Elvis allowed two goals and the team lost the game, 2-1, but this season he still has 13 wins and has a .930 save percentage.
He has his defense to thank for a good portion of his success. In the past two games, they’ve only allowed a combined 38 shots on goal. In their next game, the Jackets look to bounce back on their home ice against Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.
