Blue Jackets’ Elvis Merzļikins to start Latvia’s Olympic opener against USA
Lativa will turn to veteran Elvis Merzļikins for the team’s Olympic men’s hockey opener against the United States, as first reported by Latvian reporter Ulvis Brože.
Latvijas izlases vārtus olimpisko spēļu atklāšanas mačā pret ASV izlasi sargās Elvis Merzļikins @Sportacentrs
Merzļikins has represented Latvia internationally throughout his career, dating back to his first U-17 action in 2010. This will be his first Olympic performance, though, and his first national team event since the 2014 World Championship.
The 31-year-old native of Riga, Latvia has an all-time World Championship record of 13-17 with a .907 save percentage. He has often been tasked with boosting Latvia’s chances of reaching the playoff round, even though they’re often outmatched. His best run came at the 2018 World Championship, where Merzļikins posted a 4-2 record with two shutouts, a .940 save percentage and just nine goals against in six games.
Merzļikins has had a so-so NHL career, but is 11-8-1 with a .888 save percentage with the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. He entered the tournament with a 5-1-0 record over the past six games, which includes a 24-save shutout against the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 3.
Merzļikins will get the start over Artūrs Šilovs, who has an 11-7-8 record with the Pittsburgh Penguins this season. The defending Calder Cup champion was instrumental in leading Latvia to its first-ever bronze at the 2023 World Championship, going 7-3 en route to both top goaltender and MVP honors. Latvia could elect to start Šilovs against either Germany on Saturday or Denmark in the round-robin finale on Sunday.
Latvia last beat the United States at the 2023 World Championship. Prior to that, you have to go all the way back in 2014, with Kristers Gudlevskis outdueling Tim Thomas for the victory. The Americans won the only previous Olympic meeting between the two teams, winning 3-2 back at the 2006 Winter Games.
Connor Hellebuyck is set to start for the United States, marking his Olympic debut as well.
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