Ever since the Blue Jackets hired Rick Bowness in a surprise coaching change Jan. 12, players have mostly said a new voice is refreshing without saying much about former coach Dean Evason.

That’s not how goalie Elvis Merzlikins operates.

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The enigmatic goalie needed a fresh start after falling out of favor with Evason and got it Jan. 15 in a 4-1 win against the Vancouver Canucks. Merzlikins made 30 saves for his first goaltending win since Dec. 4 and was named the game’s first star.

It was his first start for Bowness, who improved to 2-0-0 since taking over. Speaking with TV analyst Jody Shelley on the bench after the game, Merzlikins was blunt when asked what’s driving the Jackets’ three-game winning streak.

“New coach?” he said.

“That’s it?” Shelley replied.

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“New coach,” Merzlikins repeated.

Asked in the locker room how it feels to have a new coach, his answer was slightly more diplomatic.

“I’m really excited,” Merzlikins said. “Nothing against Dean. His decisions were his decisions and I’m mature enough. I’m obviously happy we have a new coach because it’s a new energy right now.”

Bowness has stated that making life easier for their goalies is something the Blue Jackets need to accomplish by blocking shots, taking away shooting lanes and forcing more opposing shots to the perimeter. Merzlikins noticed a difference and credited his teammates for it.

He also issued a prediction for the Jackets’ next game against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins on Jan. 17 at PPG Paints Arena, where they often struggle.

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“New coach, new attitude, three wins … now you go to Pittsburgh,” Shelley said, as Blue Jackets fans listened closely. “How do you prepare for that?”

Smirking, Merzlikins prompted a roar.

“We’re going to win, even there,” he said.

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

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: No ‘Bones’ about it, Elvis Merzlikins likes playing for Rick Bowness