Merzlikins dealing with illness, unable to start against Hurricanes
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Blue Jackets are already dealing with a health issue before the season even starts Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Elvis Merzlikins, their No. 1 goalie, is fighting an illness and won’t face the Hurricanes in the season-opener at PNC Arena. It’s not believed to be a COVID-19 infection. Rookie goalie Jet Greaves has joined the Jackets on emergency recall from the Cleveland Monsters and rookie forward Kent Johnson was loaned to the Monsters to create room for three goalies on the 23-man roster.
Daniil Tarasov, Merzlikins' backup to start the season, will get the start against Hurricanes — who've peppered him with shots the last two times he's faced them. The most recent was an 8-1 preseason loss Oct. 3 at PNC Arena and the previous game was a 7-4 loss on New Year’s Day in Columbus.
“He’s excited to go in," Blue Jackets coach Brad Larsen said. "This happens all the time. It’s just because it’s Game 1 it’s a big story. You deal with what’s in front of you. That’s all it is. (Tarasov) had a huge smile and couldn’t wait to get into the net here tonight and I’m sure Jet’s happy to be here, so it’s all good.”
Tarasov injured his hip against Carolina in the New Year's Day start and played two periods, leaving with a 4-2 lead despite facing 33 shots. He underwent surgery in February to repair a torn labrum and spent months rehabbing to be ready for the start of training camp in September.
Tarasov also left early in the second period of his preseason appearance against the Hurricanes, after feeling pain believed to be scar tissue. He was able to complete a full preseason game last Thursday with a 24-save shutout in a 7-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues and now gets another opportunity to face the Hurricanes.
"He had a huge smile (when he found out)," Larsen said. "There was no hesitation. He’s excited to play. I think our group’s excited to play. ... there’s a lot of teams that are probably on edge (against Carolina). They put a lot of pressure on goalies, but if we play well in front of him, give him some help, that’s what I’d like to see from our group. But we’ve got to attack the game too. We’re not going to sit on our heels.”
Merzlikins made it through the first portion of practice Tuesday in Columbus, but wasn't able to finish the workout during work on special teams. He also declined an interview request, which was out of the ordinary for Merzlikins the day before a game.
It’s unknown whether Merzlikins will be healthy enough to play in the Blue Jackets’ home opener Friday against the Tampa Bay Lightning or against the Blues on Saturday in St. Louis.
The Blue Jackets have a morning skate scheduled Wednesday at PNC Arena and the Dispatch will provide further updates afterward.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Elvis Merzlikins out with illness against Carolina Hurricanes
