Are HC Pascal Vincent's Comments Defending Tom Wilson, While Criticizing Elvis Merzlikins Concerning?

Rumors have been swirling for a few weeks about CBJ goalie Elvis Merzlikins possibly wanting a change of scenery. Those rumors were fueled by the fact that Edmonton Oilers scouts were in Columbus for every game for about a week. It also should be noted that Elvis Merzlikins's agent is based out of Edmonton. One source told THN Columbus that even before last night's game, the Oilers were no longer interested in the Columbus goalie. 

Last night's incident between Elvis Merzlikins and Tom Wilson, in all honesty, has been blown completely out of proportion. It's hockey, these things will happen from time to time. Had Columbus been in a better spot in the standings, I'm guessing this incident doesn't even happen. Losing one point for a team in last place doesn't matter if we're being honest. After the play was over, the entire crowd inside Nationwide Arena rallied behind Elvis and started chanting his name. It felt like one of those defining moments, even in a loss. But for Elvis, it felt like years of frustration coming out in a fury.

But after the game, Pascal Vincent did his post-game presser like he does every night, and many fans had this sinking feeling, posted on X, that Vincent was going to "throw Elvis under the bus," and in many people's opinions, that is exactly what happened. 

Some of Vincent's comments:

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Some fans are saying Elvis cost them the game, as they did when Erik Gudbranson punished Nick Cousins for the nasty hit that put on him. 

Many people, including me, have wondered if maybe this was it for Elvis in a CBJ uniform. The fact that his coach called him out and seemingly defended Tom Wilson in a very public fashion, is a no-no in some books. Vincent should've kept his criticism behind closed doors, in the locker room. And however way Vincent felt about what happened, should've defended his guy in public. Could players seeing this possibly think that their head coach doesn't have their back? This is one way to lose a locker room in my opinion. Pascal Vincent is a first-year, first-time NHL head coach and the consensus is that he wouldn't be held to the fire for the club's season thus far, but in situations like this, the franchise can't afford to have locker room strife, it just can't happen. 

What happens from here will be very interesting. 

You can listen to the entire Pascal Vincent press conference here. I encourage you to do so. You can also listen to Elvis's post-game reactions here. 

Next Up: The Jackets are back at home on Saturday night to face the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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