Džets Grīvzs un Elvis Merzļikins | Foto: Jason Mowry/Getty Images/AFP
Jet Greaves will get the start in net for the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight against the Los Angeles Kings, while Latvian netminder Elvis Merzļikins will serve as the backup. Puck drop between the Blue Jackets and Kings is scheduled for 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
Merzļikins was in net for the Blue Jackets’ previous game, where they battled back from a two-goal deficit in the third period before falling to the Utah Mammoth 5-4 in overtime. The Latvian goaltender stopped 20 of 25 shots faced.
Merzļikins has appeared in 25 games this season, posting an 88.4% save percentage and a 3.53 goals-against average. Meanwhile, Greaves has a 90.9% save percentage and a 2.63 goals-against average in 40 appearances.
The Blue Jackets currently hold a 73-point record through 62 games, placing them ninth in the Eastern Conference, just three points out of a playoff position. The Kings are tenth in the Western Conference with 64 points, as well trailing the top eight by three points. This game carries significant weight as both teams fight for postseason contention.
Elsewhere in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks, currently last in the league, will host the Ottawa Senators at 3:00 AM Eastern Time, featuring Latvian forward Teodors Bļugers. Bļugers has been on a hot streak with a goal and two assists in his last two games, totaling 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists) in 16 games this season, with a 45.1% faceoff win rate and a +1 plus/minus rating.
