Merzlikins: Blue Jackets' 8-game losing streak 'getting embarrassing'
Elvis Merzlikins is ready to leave the building - and the 2020-21 campaign behind him.
The Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender spoke candidly about his team's struggles and the effect it's having on him following a 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.
"I think we played good. Only thing, I'm tired. I'm tired of losing the game. I know we are trying but this is getting embarrassing," Merzlikins said postgame.
"I'm tired. I'm tired of losing the game. I know we're trying but this is getting embarrassing . . . it's bothering me. I can't sleep." — Blue Jackets goalkeeper Elvis Merzlikins was incredibly honest after #CBJ fell 3-1 to Tampa Bay to extend their winless streak to 8 games. pic.twitter.com/BDtvZ7iMWa
— Justin Holbrock (@NBC4Justin) April 23, 2021
The netminder also said he just wants to "delete this year and not think about it."
He even admitted it's affecting his personal life.
"It's bothering me," Merzlikins added. "I can't sleep."
The Blue Jackets have lost eight games in a row, with only one coming in overtime. They've sunk to 27th in the league's overall standings.
Merzlikins has performed admirably. The 27-year-old stopped 25 of 27 shots he faced Thursday against the defending Stanley Cup champs and owns a .911 save percentage in 23 games this season.
The netminder even brought up the Buffalo Sabres' 18-game losing streak this season, adding that he hopes his team doesn't get to that point.
"I don't want to get to, like Buffalo. I don't want to get to that point, like Buffalo," he said, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline. "Even for them it was hard, but they got somehow through and they find a win. We have to find that way, too."
The Blue Jackets have seven games remaining this season. Their next one is a rematch with the Bolts on Sunday.