Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets will not duel with the Sabres on either Tuesday or Thursday due to COVID-19 related cancellations.
Merzlikins is 2-3-1 with a 4.07 GAA in his previous five matches. He will have to wait until Dec. 27 at the earliest to get his opportunity to defend the cage for the Blue Jackets again. Whenever his next matchup is, he will look to break his current three-game streak with four goals allowed in each contest.