Elvis Merzlikins says he was 'provoked' by fan's comment about late Blue Jackets teammate Matiss Kivlenieks

Bailey Johnson, The Columbus Dispatch
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On his way onto the ice for warmups during Monday night's game against the Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins heard a Dallas fan make a negative comment about the death of Matiss Kivlenieks, Merzlikins' close friend and a Jackets goalie who died in July after a fireworks accident.

"I was expecting a shutout because I believe in karma," Merzlikins said. "There is some stupid people in this world. That was really, really bad what happened in the tunnel when I was walking out. There was a fan from Dallas who (provoked) me about Matiss."

In the first period, Dallas players hit the post three times, and Merzlikins believes the karma from the fan's comment led to the Stars striking iron rather than putting the puck in the net.

Though unsatisfied with his first-period performance, Merzlikins allowed just one goal on 32 shots — and said he was "gassed" on the goal that broke up the shutout.

"Quite honestly, the first period I think I was sleeping," Merzlikins said. "I’m really not satisfied with the first period. Then in the second period, when they had that power play, I got warmed up and then I started feeling my game. I kept playing good and the team did huge blocked shots again in front of me. They helped me out in the first period. There was lucky posts."

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins makes a save during Monday's game against the Dallas Stars.
Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins makes a save during Monday's game against the Dallas Stars.

Merzlikins has been open about his goals for this season, including winning the Vezina trophy in honor of his late friend. While adjusting to a new coach in Brad Larsen, a new style of play and a few new defenseman, Merzlikins has posted a .952 save percentage, a 1.48 goals against average and a 4-0-0 record to start the year.

"There are goals, where I want to go, what I want to reach," Merzlikins said. "Alone, I’m not going to reach them. I need help. I need help from my teammates and I need help from Matiss. I believe he’s gonna help me and my team is helping me."

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins calls out Stars fan's comment