• Elvis Merzlikins played 20 minutes in the overtime victory over “Maple Leafs” (6:5), during which he saved 12 of 14 opponents’ shots (85.7%).
• The Latvian was replaced after the first period due to health problems. For now, it is not exactly clear what exactly happened to the Latvian goalkeeper. After the first half, Toronto led 2-1.
• Spencer Martin replaced Merzlikin in goal early in the second period. He made 16 of 19 shots (84.2%) to help the team win in overtime.
The @BlueJacketsNHL have made an in-game goaltending change.
Spencer Martin has replaced Elvis Merzlikins, who appeared to be in some level of discomfort as he left the ice following the first period.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/KZqJtbvFdS
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) December 30, 2023
• Mitchell Marner opened the scoring in the fifth minute of the first period. The puck came to him after a ricochet, and Marner was able to score an easy goal, which was his 14th accurate shot this season.
• In the continuation of the first period, “Maple Leafs” lost the puck in their own goal, and Cole Sillinger punished the guests for this mistake (1:1). The joy didn’t last long, however, as Auston Matthews beat Merzlikin again, scoring his 29th goal of the season.
Toronto goal!
Scored by Auston Matthews with 07:05 remaining in the 1st period.
Assisted by Mitchell Marner.
Columbus: 1
Toronto: 2#TORvsCBJ #CBJ #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/TBsiLL3Q8p— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) December 30, 2023
• A total of six goals were scored in the second period. In the beginning, Toronto achieved 3:1, Columbus was able to fight back one goal, but in the 10th minute of the period, Williams Nylander restored the two-goal advantage of “Maple Leafs” (4:2). The Swede marked the majority, sending the puck into the goal with the precision of a jeweler from a narrow angle.
• “Blue Jackets” responded with two goals in less than two minutes, which made it possible to level the score (4:4), however, the guests ended the period with the lead, who realized another majority in the 20th minute.
• Adams Fantilli demonstrated his individual abilities in the 14th minute of the third period, skating almost the entire field and ending the raid with an accurate shot. The game continued into overtime.
• Johnny Goodreau became the hero of this match in extra time. After receiving an excellent pass from his teammate, the 30-year-old American beat the “Maple Leafs” goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov and handed his team the victory.
JOHNNY SAYS GAUD NIGHT! @FanaticsBook | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/1DlaXi23hG
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 30, 2023
• The victory allowed the “Blue Jackets” to break a three-game losing streak. However, it has not allowed to leave the last place in the Metropolitan division – in 37 matches, the team represented by Merzlikin has collected 31 points. One place higher is the Pittsburgh “Penguins”, who have 36 points in 33 matches.
• The “Blue Jackets” will end the year 2023 with a game against Zemgus Girgenson’s Buffalo “Sabres”, in whose ranks Girgenson could also return after healing from his injury.
Latvians in the NHL
ForwardClubSV+PPtiShoots+/-SMMost Zemgus GirgensonsSabres202+0227 (7.4%)-370+0Teodors BlįgersCanucks225+81329 (17.2%)+690+0DefenderClubSV+PPtiShoots+/-SMMostUvis BalinskisPanthers181+1218 (5.6%)060+0 GoalkeeperClubSU-Z%ShootsRipMinSausaElvis MerzlikinBlue Jackets237- 8-690.7%669/7383.2512750
Resources used:
Official Site of the National Hockey League |…
2023-12-30 03:31:18
#Merzlikin #plays #period #due #illness #Blue #Jackets #win #overtime #Hockey #Sportacentrs.com
