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Swiss media outlet ''he shoots he scores'' has released Swiss leagues (NLA) goalie power-rankings. It contains some familiar names but the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Elvis Merzlikins is at the top of their ranking beating Reto Berra and Leonardo Genoni amongst others.
''2018./19 season is approaching and it promised to be bigger and better than before. The season will begin on September 1st. Taking that into account we have ranked the best players in the Swiss league and now it is turn to rank the goalies.''
Elvis Merzlikins who's ranked no.1 overall is described of a modern style goaltending prototype.
''He can combine aggression and constant movement as well as keep a perfect position using his size. He plays a hybrid style with a little touch of a butterfly.''
Elvis is described as a strong character player who can react accordingly to his mistakes as well as a guy who has an outstanding work ethic. Blue Jackets prospect is known for performing well under pressure as well as being in the right place at the right time when the games are truly important.
Elvis has really excelled so far in his career being the go-to guy for his ''Lugano'' team as well as earning the honors of being the main guy to call when Team Latvia is in need and certainly in not so distant future we can expect him to be the main guy in Jackets net.
High honors are also no stranger early into his playing career - he recently was named the Swiss National League goaltender of the year.
Schöner 🎩@Merzly30 !😠#HomeofSports #MySportsCH #NationalLeague #SIHAwards pic.twitter.com/BYq56EUIgR
— MySportsCH (@MySports_CH) August 3, 2018
Merzlikins was drafted in the third round of the 2014 NHL entry draft 76th overall and is expected to sign his entry-level deal with Blue Jackets at some point in 2019.
Last season, Merzlikins was fantastic, playing in 42 games for HC Lugano with a 2.71 goals-against average (GAA) and .921 save percentage. He carried that success into the 2018 IIHF Men's World Championship in Denmark in May, where he nearly backstopped Latvia into the medal round.
Source: http://heshootshescoores.com/ Follow @HSHS