Elvis Merzlikins is expected to start for Latvia on Feb. 15 against Denmark to complete Group C play in the preliminary round of men’s hockey at 2026 Milano Cortina.
The Blue Jackets goalie made his Olympics debut in a 5-1 loss to the U.S. on Feb. 12 at Milano Santagiulia Arena in Milan, Italy, allowing four goals on 32 shots while starting and playing the first two periods. Now, after backing up Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs in Latvia’s 4-3 upset of Germany on Feb. 14, Merzlikins may climbi back in net against Denmark (0-0-2-0)
Latvian head coach Harijs Vitolins didn’t name a starting goalie for the Denmark game, but told reporters in Milan on Feb. 13 that Merzlikins was in line to start the back-to-back finale. He carries extensive international experience and is considered Latvia’s No. 1 goalie after playing in six world championships, an Olympic qualifying tournament and three world junior championships prior to these Winter Olympics.
What time does Elvis Merzlikins play against Denmark at Milano Cortina 2026?
The puck is scheduled to drop for Latvia and Denmark at 1:10 p.m. ET on Feb. 15 at Milano Rho Arena.
How to watch Elvis Merzlikins play Denmark at Milano Cortina 2026?
CNBC will broadcast the game live at 1 p.m. ET Feb. 15 and will re-air at 8:45 p.m. The broadcast will also be available via livestream on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
Stream the Olympics on Peacock.
Columbus Blue Jackets’ Elvis Merzlikins looking to rebound for Latvia at 2026 Milano Cortina
Merzlikins wasn’t his sharpest against the U.S., but made a number of impressive saves while Latvia was swarmed in their own end during the two periods. It was hard to fault him on his goals allowed, but Merzlikins also got some help keeping it close in the first period.
A goal post and crossbar prevented two additional U.S. goals, while Latvia got two others overturned on coaching challenges for a missed offside play and goaltender interference.
Silovs stopped 26 of 29 shots to defeat Germany after allowing one goal on six shots in one relief period backin g up Merzlikins against the U.S on Feb. 12. Silovs has better NHL numbers than Merzlikins at 11-7-8 with a 2.93 goals-against average and .896 save percentage for the Penguins, but Merzlikins (11-8-1, 3.49 GAA and .888 sv%) went into the NHL’s Olympic break scorching hot, including a Feb. 3 shutout over the New Jersey Devils.
Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How to watch Elvis Merzlikins vs Denmark at 2026 Milano Cortina
Reporting by Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
