Elvis Merzlikins made his anticipated NHL debut Saturday night as the Blue Jackets met the Penguins on the road for the first of four meetings this season. Unfortunately for Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets, it wasn’t the type of debut to call home about.
After a scoreless first period, the Penguins erupted for five goals as part of a six goal second, en route to a 7-2 win over the Blue Jackets. Merzlikins made 33 saves on 40 shots. Jared McCann scored twice for Pittsburgh and Matt Murray made 28 saves for the victory.