Merzlikins Leads Blue Jackets to Shootout Victory Over Canucks

Despite Trade Request, Goalie Expresses Appreciation for Teammates' Support in 4-3 Win

Elvis Merzlikins, the Columbus Blue Jackets' goaltender, led the team to a 4-3 shootout victory over the Vancouver Canucks, ending the Canucks' five-game winning streak.
Merzlikins, who hadn't played since December 29, made 27 saves in regulation and overtime, and blocked all four Vancouver shooters in the shootout.
Despite Merzlikins' request for a trade and his ongoing issues with the team's management, he expressed gratitude for his teammates' support during the game.
Dmitri Voronkov scored twice for the Blue Jackets, and Yegor Chinakhov added a goal in regulation.
Kirill Marchenko scored the only goal in the four-round shootout, sliding the puck between Canucks' goalie Casey DeSmith's pads.