Columbus Blue Jackets’ Elvis Merzlikins will not start vs. Germany

Elvis Merzlikins’ Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics was a rough ride for the Blue Jackets goalie, who allowed four goals on 32 shots while playing just the first two periods of Latvia’s 5-1 loss to the United States on Feb. 12 at Milano Santagiulia Arena in Milan, Italy.

More: Werenski, Merzlikins make Olympic debuts in U.S. victory over Latvia

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Now, he’ll watch Latvia’s game against Germany as Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs’ backup Feb. 14 in Group C preliminary round action at Milano Rho Arena.

Latvian head coach Harijs Vitolins announced after a practice Feb. 13 that Silovs would start against Germany after relieving Merzlikins by playing the third period in Latvia’s opening loss to the U.S. Merzlikins carries extensive international experience and is still considered the No. 1 goalie for Latvia, which finishes the preliminary round Feb. 15 against Denmark.

Merzlikins, who has played in six world championships, an Olympic qualifying tournament, three world junior championships prior to these Winter Olympics, is expected to start against Denmark.

Feb 12, 2026; Milan, Italy; Tage Thompson of United States in action with Elvis Merzlikins of Latvia and Uvis Janis Balinskis of Latvia in men’s ice hockey group C play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

What time does Latvia play Germany at Milano Cortina 2026?

The puck is scheduled to drop for Latvia and Germany at 6:10 a.m. ET on Feb. 14 at Milano Rho Arena.

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.

How to watch Latvia play Germany in men’s hockey at Milano Cortina 2026?

CNBC will broadcast the game live at 6 a.m. ET Feb. 14, and the game will be available via livestream on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.

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Stream the Olympics on Peacock.

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 12, 2026; Milan, Italy; Roberts Mamcics of Latvia, Uvis Janis Balinskis of Latvia, and Elvis Merzlikins of Latvia in action with Brock Nelson of United States in men’s ice hockey group C play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mike Segar/Reuters via Imagn Images

Poor play isn’t the reason Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins won’t start against Germany at 2026 Milano Cortina

Merzlikins wasn’t in top form against the U.S., but he made a number of big saves and Latvia was swarmed during his two periods by a heavily favored team full of NHL stars. It was hard to fault him on the goals he allowed, but he also got some help preventing additional goals in the first period.

The right goal post and crossbar prevented two U.S. goals, while Latvia got two others overturned on coaching challenges for a missed offside entry and goaltender interference.

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Silovs allowed a goal on the first of six shots he faced against the U.S., and has better NHL numbers than Merzlikins this season. Silovs is 11-7-8 with a 2.93 goals-against average and .896 save percentage for the Penguins, while Merzlikins is 11-8-1 with a 3.49 GAA and .888 sv% for the Blue Jackets.

Merzlikins, however, went into the NHL’s Olympic break scorching hot, including a Feb. 3 shutout over the New Jersey Devils. He’s expected to start for Latvia on Feb. 15 against Denmark to close out play in Group C of the preliminary round.

Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.social

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets’ Elvis Merzlikins will not start vs. Germany