Who to start · 2025-26
Dustin Wolf vs Elvis Merzlikins
In 2025-26, Dustin Wolf posted a .899 save percentage to Elvis Merzlikins's .883.
Against our expected-goals model, Wolf saved +0.8 goals and Merzlikins −7.7.
This week Wolf has 2 games left (about 1.5 expected starts) with 2 tough matchups; Merzlikins has 1 left (about 0.0 expected starts). We project Wolf for 1.2 ESPN points to Merzlikins's 0.0.
Dustin Wolf has the better number in 8 of the 11 stats both are ranked on.
Wolf's biggest edges: Rebounds prevented /100 +0.70, Saves 1,401, Save % .899.
Merzlikins's biggest edges: Goals against 95, High-danger save % .831.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 0 W, .813 SV%.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Dustin Wolf
1.14
fantasy points per game
Elvis Merzlikins
0.51
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Dustin Wolf has the edge.
| Points per game from | Wolf | Merzlikins |
|---|---|---|
| Wins (+4) | 1.61 | 1.87 |
| Goals against (-2) | -5.54 | -6.33 |
| Saves (+0.2) | 4.92 | 4.78 |
| Shutouts (+3) | 0.11 | 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: Wolf vs Merzlikins
Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2024-25 to 2025-26: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.
Games against each other
| Date | Score | Wolf | Merzlikins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-13 | CGY 3–5 CBJ | 38/42 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2025-11-05 | CGY 5–1 CBJ | 42/43 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2024-12-03 | CGY 3–0 CBJ | 0/0 SV | 19/21 SV |
| 2024-11-29 | CGY 2–5 CBJ | 29/33 SV | 27/29 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.
Dustin Wolf
3games (2 left)
1.2proj. ESPN pts
About 1.5 expected starts
- Thu, Oct 1 vs SEAOpp allows 6th-fewest FP to GLikely vs Joey Daccord (.897)
- Sat, Oct 3 @ VAN89% to start0.7 ptsOpp allows 2nd-fewest FP to GSchedule edge +3.5 win%Likely vs Leevi Meriläinen (.860)
- Sun, Oct 4 @ SEAB2B58% to start0.5 ptsOpp allows 6th-fewest FP to GLikely vs Joey Daccord (.897)
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 Dustin Wolf or Elvis Merzlikins?
- In 2025-26, Dustin Wolf posted a .899 save percentage to Elvis Merzlikins's .883. Against our expected-goals model, Wolf saved +0.8 goals and Merzlikins −7.7. Confirm the starter on game day; workload and back-to-backs decide most goalie starts.
- Who is better, Dustin Wolf or Elvis Merzlikins?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Dustin Wolf 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 Wolf and Merzlikins done against each other?
- In 4 games against each other in our data, Wolf's team went 2–2.
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 →