The 29-year-old Latvian saved 41 of 43 opponent shots last night. Merzlikin played an important role in the beginning of the match, helping to withstand two consecutive deficits and not allowing the Ottawans to turn their offense into goals.
In the ninth minute, the “Senators” finally unlocked the fortress of the home team, with league veteran Claude Giroux accurately ending the fast attack. Two-and-a-half minutes later, Brady Tkaczak corralled a powerful shot by defenseman Tom Shabo to double the lead in the majority.
However, the lead earned by the “Senators” evaporated unexpectedly quickly, as Patrik Lain reduced the gap in the majority, and after 43 seconds Dmitrii Voronkov equalized the result (2:2). The NHL rookie’s puck ricocheted off the Senators defender and surprised former Blue Jackets goaltender Jonas Korpisalo.
The Finnish goalkeeper was beaten twice more in the first half of the second period, with 19-year-old Adam Fantilli successfully deflecting Ivan Provorov’s puck and Boone Jenner deflecting Zach Werensky’s shot in front of the goal. This was the 12th goal of the season for the 30-year-old Jenner, and the 17th assist for the 26-year-old Werensky.
“Senators” maintained their territorial advantage in the second half hour of the game, but no more goals were scored, as Merzlikin enjoyed one of the most successful games this season. The home team won despite having almost twice as many shots (23-43).
Elvis Merzlikins absolutely lets one go at Drake Batherson battling near his crease. #Sens #BlueJackets #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/YJgvsBof1Z
— Pesky Sickos (@PeskySickos) December 2, 2023
The “Blue Jackets”, which suffered a series of four losses at the end of October and lost nine games in a row in November, managed to stabilize the results, winning four of the last six matches.
The Columbus unit, which has earned 20 points in 25 games, is second to last in the Eastern Conference. The top eight is five points away. The Blue Jackets will continue their pursuit Monday night in Boston.
“Senators”, which is in the last place, has won 16 points in 18 matches and will host Seattle “Kraken” hockey players on Sunday night in the Canadian capital.
Latvians in the NHL
ForwardClubSV+PPtiShoots+/-SMMost Zemgus GirgensonsSabres202+0227 (7.4%)-370+0Teodors BlùgersCanucks101+1218 (11.7%)0100+0DefenderClubSV+PPtiShoots+/-SMMostUvis BalinskisPanthers151+1216 (6.5%)+160 +0GoalkeeperClubSU-Z%ShootsPucksMinSausaElvis MerzlikinsBlue Jackets176- 7-391.07%492/5403.119460
Used sources:
Official Site of the National Hockey League |…
2023-12-02 03:35:00
#Columbus #recovers #rough #start #star #Merzlikin #saves #shots #Hockey #Sportacentrs.com
