Winnipeg Jets Dominate Columbus Blue Jackets in 6-1 Victory: Goalie Merzlikin Faces Challenges

It has already been announced that the “Blue Jackets” recognized the superiority of the “Jets” on Sunday with a score of 1:6 (0:1, 0:4, 1:1).

In general, the game was unsuccessful for the Columbus team and also individually for goalkeeper Merzlikin – the Latvian hockey player saved 21 of 27 shots (77.8%).

On Tuesday, in the loss against Montreal “Canadiens” already in the sixth minute of the game with the result 0:3, coach Vincent replaced Merzlikin, who wanted to continue the game to fight to the end.

“It wouldn’t be the right message for the team this time. We had to fight together. Elvis needed to see us all fight together,” the coach said.

“Winnipeg makes other teams look bad in a lot of ways. They’re tough, strong and skilled,” Vincent said.

“Blue Jackets” head coach praised “Jets” goalkeeper American Connor Helleback, who saved 30 shots in this match.

Merzlikin also praised the opposing team, which deserved to enter the “play-off” tournament this season.

“They find “empty pockets”. When they find these opportunities, they immediately punish you,” assessed Merzlikin.

Also in the previous duel between these teams, when the goal was guarded by Merzlikin’s colleague from Russia Daniil Tarasov, a hopeless loss was experienced – 0:5.

“They have a good hockey team. They are fast, they play compactly. They know their roles. There is not much to add,” said Merzlikin.

“Blue Jackets” with 57 points in 68 games ranks last or 16th in the Eastern Conference standings.

With 91 points in 67 matches, the “Jets” are in second place in the Western Conference behind the Vancouver “Canucks” represented by Teodor Blüger and Artur Shilov.

The 29-year-old Merzlikin has won 12 victories in 38 matches this season, scored an average of 3.33 goals and saved 90% of opponents’ shots.