Blue Jackets' Elvis Merzlikins: Expected starter for Saturday

Merzlikins is expected to start on the road against Colorado on Saturday, per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.

Merzlikins has struggled this campaign with a 6-6-1 record, 4.03 GAA and .877 save percentage in 14 appearances. His last start was Dec. 20, and he's allowed at least three goals in each of his past 11 appearances. The Avalanche are a tough assignment, as they rank first in goals per game with 4.05. They did lose back-to-back games Sunday and Tuesday against Florida and Tampa Bay, respectively, but the Avalanche rebounded with an 8-2 victory over Ottawa on Thursday.