Player Discussion: The Elvis Thread

[Cyclones Rock]

First, look at Merzlikins’ play on the ice.

He’s tied for ninth in the league in wins (20) but is 35th in save percentage (.897) and 36th in goals-against average (2.94). That’s a mixed bag, to be sure, but look at his numbers since Christmas: 10-5-1 with a .907 save percentage and 2.67 goals-against average.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6157937/2025/02/25/nhl-blue-jackets-playoffs/

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

First, look at Merzlikins’ play on the ice.

He’s tied for ninth in the league in wins (20) but is 35th in save percentage (.897) and 36th in goals-against average (2.94). That’s a mixed bag, to be sure, but look at his numbers since Christmas: 10-5-1 with a .907 save percentage and 2.67 goals-against average.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6157937/2025/02/25/nhl-blue-jackets-playoffs/

Not sure how others compare during that same time period but those same numbers over the course of the year but him at 20th in sv% and 25th in GAA.

Decent and not terrible in the big picture and much better than over the last couple of years.

 

[Cyclones Rock]

I'm hoping that these last few months and the Outdoor Game are giving Elvis a real self confidence in his game. A goalie with real confidence is huge in the NHL.

A lot of times athletes talk about self confidence/belief and it's really false bravado. I've long suspected that Elvis was more of the latter and I hope he's the former at this point. He should be. He's a legit NHL starter at this point. He hasn't been for several years.

 

[joybang]

He’s been better the last couple months for sure. I just don’t want to fall into the trap of average goal tending being good because it’s been dire for years. For this team today it’s a revelation but for the future we should still look to improve.

 

[CBJWerenski8]