Columbus Blue Jackets searching for answers after shutout in Ottawa
The Blue Jackets haven’t scored in two games, lost their third straight game Sunday in Ottawa and need to find answers quickly.
Elvis Merzlikins will miss the Blue Jackets’ game Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres with an undisclosed injury.
Rookie goalie Jet Greaves, who played Wednesday night for the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, was added to the roster with an emergency recall on Thursday afternoon. Merzlikins began the Jackets’ morning skate at Nationwide Arena, but left the ice earlier than normal. It’s unknown whether his injury occurred at the skate or is something that has lingered for a while.
Merzlikins played in the Blue Jackets’ 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena but didn’t participate in the team’s optional practice Wednesday.
Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason didn’t reveal which goalie he’ll start against the Sabres, who are making their second-and-final visit to Nationwide Arena this season. Columbus is eight points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with five games remaining.Â
The Jackets are also tied in points with the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings, who all need the Canadiens to stumble in at least three of their remaining four games.Â
Daniil Tarasov, Merzlikins’ main backup, started Sunday in Ottawa and was quickly replaced by Merzlikins after allowing two goals on the first six shots he faced. Greaves is 2-2-2 with 2.83 goals-against average and .905 save percentage in six starts this season for the Blue Jackets.Â
Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.socialÂ