Merzlikin saves us when we need it most

The Latvian national team defeated France 3:2 in extra time in the Czech city of Ostrava on Sunday, winning the second victory in two matches.

On Saturday, the Latvians beat the Polish national team 5:4 in extra time. In both matches, Daugavins scored the winning goal in extra time.

After the second victory, the captain of the Latvian national team emphasized that Merzlikin deserves a lot of credit for both victories.

Although there were more unsuccessful ricochets in the game against Poland, after which the puck ended up in Latvia’s goal, Merzlikins has saved the team from losing goals several times in this tournament.

“Since the first day when he joined the Latvian national team in the training camp, you can see his qualities,” the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) quotes Daugavina as saying.

“There is a reason why he plays in the NHL and has been successful there. He saves us when we need it the most,” emphasized the captain of the Latvian national team.

In the first game of the tournament, Merzlikin saved 18 of 22 shots, and in the second match 27 of 29 shots. On average, in two games, he has saved 88.2% of the opponents’ shots.

In an interview with Latvian Television (LTV), Daugavins expressed his gratitude to the hockey fans who chanted Merzlikin’s name in the stands during the game: “Elvi, Elvi, Elvi!”

“Elvis is a thug. He’s been fighting every practice since day one. It’s tough for him mentally. Thanks to the fans who are chanting his name. It’s going to revive him – Elvis will be back.”

The 35-year-old Daugavins scored a total of three goals and made two assists (3+2) in two matches in the tournament.

Daugavins caught up with the top scorer of the tournament, the 18-year-old Canadian Konor Bedards, who also collected five points (4+1) in two matches.

2024-05-12 19:54:28
#Merzlikin #saves