G53 New Jersey Devils vs Columbus Blue Jackets: The ultimate Get Right spot

Despite all the victories, the Devils haven't played all that well of late. A date with the Blue Jackets offers a real opportunity to change that.

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A few notes to get you set for New Jersey vs Columbus:

Elvis has entered the building

Although Elvis Merzlikins allowed three goals in his last start, and posted a sub .900 save percentage, the Blue Jackets were able to grind out a win. Thus, Merzlikins is getting the nod again this time out.

That should be music to the ears of the Devils; Merzlikins has been nothing short of terrible all season long.

Merzlikins owns an .871 save percentage on the year and has conceded 23.5 goals more than expected. He’s conceding well over a goal more than expected per 60 minutes, which is almost unfathomable.

Of the 43 goaltenders to appear in 20+ games thus far, only four have allowed even half of a goal above expected on a per 60 basis. Elvis has allowed more than double that mark and sits dead last by a country mile.

If Merzlikins was named Jake Johnson, and carried a cap hit of $1 million, he’d probably have been demoted a long, long, time ago.

The Blue Jackets only continue to use Merzlikins because a) they’re invested heavily in him long-term and; b) his performance helps the tank.

New Jersey hasn’t played all that well in recent works yet have won a lot of games on the back of being opportunistic. A date with Elvis should allow for that formula – if necessary – to continue having success.