Merzlikins, though, made it sound like he will be, talking about facing Columbus teammate Zach Werenski and touching on how this could be the biggest game he has ever played in.
To date, he said his “most fun” game to play in is the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025, when he made 43 saves in a 5-3 win against the Detroit Red Wings in front of 94,751, the second largest crowd to ever witness an NHL game.
“That was something incredible,” Merzlikins said. “When I was a little kid, I was watching I remember (Marc-Andre) Fleury with baby blue pads (at the 2008 Winter Classic in Buffalo). I always wanted that. I always wanted that. And it finally happened. I’m going to be honest, I was really nervous that game. It’s a good thing. The nervous system is giving you a good result always.”
Merzlikins, though, said he won’t feel those same nerves if he stands between the pipes against the Americans on Thursday.
“This, it’s Olympics, it’s huge. I’ve waited (for) this moment seriously all my career, but I don’t want to put myself in a bad spot and put the pressure on myself,” he said. “So I’m just taking this as a regular World Championship tournament. Don’t think about those (Olympic) rings. Don’t watch those rings. It’s the same (U.S.) team, just a bit different. Most of the guys are the same guys as who play for national teams in the World Championship. Here’s just additional bigger superstars. Just game by game, don’t overthink.”
All Merzlikins has to do is turn to one of his goalie partners here to understand why staying calm in the moment, nerve-free, is essential to success at the Olympics.
Twelve years ago, in the quarterfinals of the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Gudlevskis faced a barrage of shots from Team Canada and stood tall, making 55 saves in a 2-1 loss.
Merzlikins was 19 years old at the time and playing for Lugano in Switzerland.
“I remember it was a huge thing,” Merzlikins said. “Facing all the Canadian superstars at that time for us was huge. I know a couple guys were asking for sticks from (Sidney) Crosby. For us it’s huge to see those types of players. Now that’s the past. That’s history. Now we want to make the future. We want to make something new. We’re just going to get ready and play.”
