Columbus Blue Jackets' goalie Elvis Merzlikins was unable to play due to illness, leading to Daniil Tarasov starting in net for the game against Buffalo. Jake Christiansen was called up to make his NHL season debut, replacing Andrew Peeke. Spencer Martin served as the backup goalie. The game marked the last for the Blue Jackets in 2023, with Ukko-Pekkan Luukkonen in goal for Buffalo. Tarasov missed a practice session due to illness on January 1, 2024.
Tarasov not at practice today. Illness. Merzlikins and Martin are both here. #CBJ
#CBJ Daniil Tarasov not practicing today due to illness.
Luukkonen to the left, Tarasov to the right, and the last #CBJ game of 2023 is under way in Buffalo
#CBJ @ #Sabres ... goaltending matchup will be Ukko-Pekkan Luukkonen for Buffalo and Daniil Tarasov for Columbus. Big day for double letter names.
#CBJ Daniil Tarasov will start tonight vs. #LetsGoBuffalo. Spencer Martin is the backup. Elvis Merzlikins, who left Friday's game with an illness, did not travel. D Jake Christiansen, up from AHL Cleveland, will make his NHL season debut. Andrew Peeke will be a healthy scratch.
Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent said Daniil Tarasov will be in goal today. Spencer Martin will back up. Elvis Merzlikins, who left last night’s game with illness, did not travel to Buffalo.
Daniil Tarasov gets the start in net for #CBJ for today’s 5 p.m. game at Buffalo. Elvis Merzlikins (illness) didn’t make the trip. The recalled Jake Christiansen goes in for Andrew Peeke. Pascal Vincent says the reports he’s gotten indicate he earned the opportunity.