Has Merzlikins stolen the CBJ crease even upon the return of Korpisalo ?

[Canucks13]

Merzlikins simply put has been unreal. From Korpisalo playing like a top10/5 goalie at the time, when he went down everyone thought that was it for the Blue Jackets but Merzlikins has miraculously one upped the numbers Korpisalo was putting up.

He was a shaky in his early season debuts and didn’t get much of a chance from Torts after that but ever since the injury, he now has 5 shutouts in 25GP and a .930 sv% with a below 2.20 GAA



...is there anyway Torts doesn’t continuing riding Merzlikins once Korpisalo is back or will he have no other option but to keep playing him?

[stevegamer]

It's possible. I thought about starting Elvis tonight even though I had a commanding lead in ratios & shutouts this week already.

He's at worst in a timeshare with a normal team, dude leads the league in shutouts. That's said, it's Tortorella, he often makes no sense.

[agentzero]

Holy hell I knew he was supposed to be good but like wtf who could have predicted a Korpisalo injury and then this.

I can’t figure the Nhl out anymore... it feels like a different league week to week. Makes playing fantasy keeper leagues so difficult.

Good for him, but holy hell with the shutouts.

[ericdaoust]

He's the guy until Korpisalo outplays him

[The Bottlenecker]

Simple answer is Yes

[havanablast21]

He's the guy until Korpisalo outplays him

How does Korp get the chance with Elvis in the building. Wow!

[DusterDave]

Torts is a bit of a nut case at times but I think you’d have to absolutely loose every last one of your marbles to not roll with Elvis until he shows you he is actually human.

[hockeyrobot]

I would say so yep. Steve Mason V.2.0.

[berni67]

I would say so yep. Steve Mason V.2.0.

Ouch, Mason...Hope you're wrong

[Axeman33]

It's hard to say what Torts will do once Korpisalo comes back. Korpisalo had played so well prior to his injury it's hard not to give him his ice time back. To what extent, we'll see.

At this point, it's a nice problem to have. I can see a share time situation coming.

[hockeyrobot]

Miraculously did not get a shutout last night but he still should have the crease.

[Right handed shot]

Yes

[evans334]

If Elvis struggles again tonight against Philly we might see Korpisalo on Saturday VS Nashville

Columbus assigned Korpisalo (knee) to AHL Cleveland on a conditioning assignment Wednesday.

Korpisalo has been sidelined since Dec. 29 with a knee injury, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him stay with Cleveland for the entire two-week period the NHL allows for conditioning assignments. Elvis Merzlikins has emerged as a legitimate No. 1 netminder during Korpisalo's absence, so he may have to settle for a backup role once he's recalled by the big club.

[Eskimo Brother]

Merz is struggling at the wrong time. A week ago I would have said he had earned a 70% share even with Korpi healthy, but not I think it's 50/50 with a chance to sway based on a hot run when they're both healthy.

[gogoayane]

Yes the worst time to go on a cold run. I got Elvis.. tempted to drop him for Saros.