Merzlikins shines in Blue Jackets' win over Vancouver
Thursday, January 15, 2026
By Kevin Rouch
krouch@cbussports.com
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins makes one of his 30 saves against the Vancouver Canucks Thursday at Nationwide Arena. Photo: Kevin Rouch
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ home game against Vancouver Thursday was the second under new head coach Rick Bowness. Having won his first outing Tuesday, it was Bowness’s first opportunity to see goaltender Elvis Merzlikins in action. Merzlikins did not disappoint, stopping 30 of 31 shots in a 4-1 victory.
Merzlikins, who will be playing for Latvia in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, seemed to benefit from a new emphasis on getting help from his defense, specifically allowing longer shots but guarding shorter opportunities more tightly.
“The pucks are coming clear now, from farther distance as well, not from the slot right away,” said Merzlikins after the game. “The guys are cleaning the pucks really well in front of me and that’s huge.”
Kirill Marchenko celebrates his second period goal, during the Blue Jackets’ 4-1 win over Vancouver Thursday at Nationwide Arena. Photo: Kevin Rouch
The Blue Jackets also showed their new head man that they could hold on to a third period lead, something that dogged them through the first half of their season. Leading 3-1 going into the final frame, they scored a goal and did not allow the Canucks many opportunities to rally late.
Columbus got goals from four different players. Zach Werenski tallied his team-leading 18th goal of the season. He has points in each of his past 16 contests at Nationwide Arena, the second-longest home points streak in club history. That trails only his 22-game streak set last season.
Kirill Marchenko added his 17th score of the campaign, while Charlie Coyle and Kent Johnson also got on the board. Johnson has essentially been reborn under Bowness’s two-game tutelage, seeing his role on the ice significantly upgraded. On Tuesday, his shifts totaled 17:36.
Mathieu Olivier looks for a scoring opportunity against Vancouver goaltender Kevin Lankinen Thursday at Nationwide Arena during the Blue Jackets’ 4-1 victory. Photo: Kevin Rouch
As for the team’s third period approach, Bowness said, “You just keep pushing. This is the league. You take your foot of the gas and you’re in trouble. I don’t care who you play. There’s too many talented players on every team and they’ve got them. So, we just gotta keep playing the right way and we’re going to keep pushing them.”
After a practice day, the Blue Jackets head to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins Saturday. It was a 5-4 overtime home loss to the Pens on Jan. 4th, after leading 4-1, that led to a four-game losing streak and, ultimately, the hiring of Rick Bowness. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. Saturday.
Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness communicates with his team Thursday during his second game behind the bench at Nationwide Arena. Photo: Kevin Rouch