It won’t take long for Blue Jackets teammates Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins to face each other at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
More: Columbus Blue Jackets playoff chase: odds, remaining games, injuries
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The Blue Jackets’ Olympians, whose lockers are next to each other at Nationwide Arena, will make their Olympic debuts for the U.S. (Werenski) and Latvia (Merzlikins) on Feb. 12.
Werenski will be wearing the Stars and Stripes for the third time in the past calendar year, after leading all scorers at the NHL’s first 4 Nations Face-Off last February and then helping the U.S. win its first men’s world championship since 1933 in May 2025. Werenski has also played for his country three times at world championships and twice at world junior championships.
Merzlikins has extensive international experience playing for Latvia, including six world championships, an Olympic qualifying tournament and three world junior championships.
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CBJ’s Zach Werenski at 2026 Olympics
Zach Werenski of United States during training at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy on February 08, 2026.
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CBJ’s Zach Werenski at 2026 Olympics
Zach Werenski of United States during training at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy on February 08, 2026.
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CBJ’s Zach Werenski at 2026 Olympics
U.S. Olympians Jeremy Swayman, Zach Werenski, Charles McAvoy Jr and Jake Oettinger pose for a photo at the Team USA Welcome Experience at the 206 Milan-Cortina Olympics on February 06, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
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CBJ’s Zach Werenski at 2026 Olympics
U.S. Olympians Jack Eichel, Jacob Slavin, Matt Boldy and Zach Werenski attend the Team USA Welcome Experience at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics on February 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
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CBJ’s Zach Werenski at 2026 Olympics
Brock Faber #14 and Zach Werenski #8 of Team United States take part during training on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
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CBJ’s Zach Werenski at 2026 Olympics
Quinn Hughes #43 and Zach Werenski #8 of Team United States participate during training on day three of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 09, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
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CBJ’s Zach Werenski at 2026 Olympics
Zach Werenski #8 of Team United States takes part during training on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
What time will United States and Latvia men’s ice hockey teams play at Milano Cortina 2026?
The puck is scheduled to drop for the U.S. and Latvia at 3:10 p.m. ET at Milano Santagiulia Arena.
Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) are recognized before heading off to the Olympics. Fans at Nationwide Arena saluted the Olympians following a 4-0 win over the Blackhawks on Feb. 4.
How to watch Columbus Blue Jackets Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins play against each other at Milano Cortina 2026?
USA Network will broadcast the game live at 3:10 p.m. ET Feb. 12 and re-air it at 11 p.m. Feb. 12. The game will also be available via livestream on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
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Stream the Olympics on Peacock.
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See highlights of Columbus Blue Jackets vs Chicago Blackhawks NHL game
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) takes the ice during warm ups prior to the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) takes the ice during warm ups prior to the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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The Columbus Blue Jackets warm up prior to the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) hits center Adam Fantilli (19) against the glass during warm up prior to the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov (9) skates during warm ups prior to the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) warms up prior to the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) warms up prior to the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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The Columbus Blue Jackets warm up prior to the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) takes the ice for the NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) gets tied up with Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Sam Rinzel (6) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) brings the puck up ice during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) hits Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (17) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk (5) battles for position with Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) during the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) shoots during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Charlie Coyle (3) and center Cole Sillinger (4) celebrate a goal by defenseman Zach Werenski (8) during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Fans celebrate a goal by Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) skates past Columbus Blue Jackets center Charlie Coyle (3) during the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) skates during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser (44) is helped off the ice during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) makes a save during the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Dmitri Voronkov (10) and center Kent Johnson (91) defend Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Sam Rinzel (6) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (17) is upended by Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight (30) makes a save as Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Miles Wood (11) breaks his stick in front of defenseman Connor Murphy (5) during the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov (9) scores past Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (48) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov (9) celebrates a goal during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Fans celebrate a goal by Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov (9) during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) skates around Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier (46) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Kent Johnson (91) passes over Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (48) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger (4) collides with Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) and right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) yell at Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Foligno (17) and center Colton Dach (34) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) has words with Chicago Blackhawks center Colton Dach (34) following the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) hits Chicago Blackhawks center Colton Dach (34) during the second period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) saves a shot from Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) in front of left wing Tyler Bertuzzi (59) during the second period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Teammates celebrate a goal by Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Danton Heinen (43) during the second period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Teammates celebrate a goal by Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Danton Heinen (43) during the second period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Dmitri Voronkov (10) moves the puck past Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight (30) during the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) saves a shot from Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) during the second period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro (15) passes around Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) during the second period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness motions from the bench during the second period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) saves a shot behind center Cole Sillinger (4) during the second period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) watches as Chicago Blackhawks center Teuvo Teravainen (86) skates in during the second period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness motions from the bench during the second period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) stops a shot from Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev (95) wtih help from defenseman Damon Severson (78) during the second period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) stands in net during the second period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) chases a puck past Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) during the second period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026.
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The Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (17) shoots toward Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic (72) during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) falls over Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight (30) during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) pursues Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) during the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Kent Johnson (91) hits Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk (5) fights for the puck with Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (48) during the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk (5) moves around Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Fans hold Elmo puppets during the third period of the NHL hockey game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) races to the puck during the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) scores an empty-net goal during the third period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Miles Wood (11) celebrates a goal by center Sean Monahan (23) during the third period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Fans celebrate a goal by Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) during the third period of the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) moves the puck away from Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier (46) during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Kent Johnson (91) hits Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (48) during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Danton Heinen (43) leaps as Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) moves the puck during the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) salutes the fans following the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) hugs goaltender Jet Greaves (73) following the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) hugs goaltender Jet Greaves (73) following the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (17) celebrates with goaltender Jet Greaves (73) following the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) is recognized as he heads off to the Olympics to play for Latvia following the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) is recognized as he heads off to the Olympics to play for Latvia following the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) is recognized as he heads off to the Olympics to play for the United States following the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) is recognized as he heads off to the Olympics to play for the United States following the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) are recognized as they heads off to the Olympics following the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) are recognized as they heads off to the Olympics following the NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on Feb. 4, 2026. The Blue Jackets won 4-0.
Will Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins chirp each other at Milano Cortina 2026?
No guarantees on this one from Merzlikins, who is known for talking to the opposition during games. Werenski doesn’t plan on getting any verbal jabs against Merzlikins, but no guarantees from him either.
“I don’t chirp,” Werenski said Feb. 4. “Only in practice against him. I don’t like to jinx anything, but, honestly, I hope he goes over there and has an unbelievable tournament and shows everyone how good of a goalie he is. I’m rooting for him. … When we’re playing him, I’m all business, but when we’re not, I’m a fan of his and I’m looking forward to watching him.”
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How to watch Zach Werenski, Elvis Merzlikins in 2026 Olympics