Who to start · 2025-26
Brandon Bussi vs Elvis Merzlikins
In 2025-26, Brandon Bussi posted a .895 save percentage to Elvis Merzlikins's .883.
Against our expected-goals model, Bussi saved +0.3 goals and Merzlikins −7.7.
This week Bussi has 1 game left (about 0.1 expected starts) with 1 soft matchup; Merzlikins has 1 left (about 0.0 expected starts). We project Bussi for 0.4 ESPN points to Merzlikins's 0.0.
Brandon Bussi has the better number in 8 of the 11 stats both are ranked on.
Bussi's biggest edges: Goals-against average 2.47, Rebounds prevented /100 +0.19, Wins 31.
Merzlikins's biggest edges: Overtime losses 3, High-danger save % .831, Goals against 95.
- • 2026-27 so far: 2 GP, 0 W, .872 SV%.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Brandon Bussi
2.59
fantasy points per game
Elvis Merzlikins
0.51
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Brandon Bussi has the edge.
| Points per game from | Bussi | Merzlikins |
|---|---|---|
| Wins (+4) | 3.18 | 1.87 |
| Goals against (-2) | -4.97 | -6.33 |
| Saves (+0.2) | 4.18 | 4.78 |
| Shutouts (+3) | 0.15 | 0.10 |
| OT losses (+1) | 0.05 | 0.10 |
Per-game rates from the selected sample; blended mixes last season with this season, weighting this season more as games are played. Categories are scored as z-scores against qualified players at the same position. Your custom weights are saved in this browser only.
Head-to-head: Bussi vs Merzlikins
Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2025-26 to 2025-26: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.
Games against each other
| Date | Score | Bussi | Merzlikins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-02 | CAR 5–1 CBJ | 0/0 SV | 16/21 SV |
| 2026-03-31 | CAR 5–2 CBJ | 23/25 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2026-03-17 | CAR 1–5 CBJ | 25/30 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2025-12-09 | CAR 4–1 CBJ | 23/24 SV | 0/0 SV |
Every stat, side by side
Season values; bars are percentiles at each player's position (longer is better). Click a stat for its explainer.
This week's schedule
Sep 28 to Oct 4. More games usually wins a weekly start/sit. Chips show how many fantasy points the opponent allows to the player's position (soft or tough), the Schedule Edge from rest and travel, and the likely opposing goalie with his save percentage. Projections use ESPN default points for the games left.
Brandon Bussi
3games (1 left)
0.4proj. ESPN pts
About 0.1 expected starts
- Tue, Sep 29 vs FLAOpp allows 15th-fewest FP to GLikely vs Jacob Markstrom (.883)
- Fri, Oct 2 vs WSHOpp allows 9th-fewest FP to GLikely vs Logan Thompson (.912)
- Sat, Oct 3 @ PHIB2B14% to start0.4 ptsOpp allows 7th-most FP to GSchedule edge −8.7 win%vs Joseph Woll (.899)
Elvis Merzlikins
3games (1 left)
0.0proj. ESPN pts
About 0.0 expected starts
- Tue, Sep 29 vs MTLOpp allows 10th-fewest FP to GLikely vs Jakub Dobes (.901)
- Wed, Sep 30 vs NYIB2BOpp allows 6th-most FP to GSchedule edge −9.3 win%Likely vs Ilya Sorokin (.906)
- Sat, Oct 3 vs OTT4% to start0.0 ptsvs Linus Ullmark (.891)
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Brandon Bussi or Elvis Merzlikins?
- In 2025-26, Brandon Bussi posted a .895 save percentage to Elvis Merzlikins's .883. Against our expected-goals model, Bussi saved +0.3 goals and Merzlikins −7.7. Confirm the starter on game day; workload and back-to-backs decide most goalie starts.
- Who is better, Brandon Bussi or Elvis Merzlikins?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Brandon Bussi leads in 8 of 11 stats where both qualify, from scoring and power-play production to on-ice shot share and NHL EDGE tracking.
- How have Bussi and Merzlikins done against each other?
- In 4 games against each other in our data, Bussi's team went 3–1.
2025-26 regular season from NHL play-by-play, shift charts and NHL EDGE, processed by Edgehalla. Head-to-head covers every loaded season (play-by-play from 2019-20; on-ice matchups from 2025-26).Compare other players →