Columbus Blue Jackets rookie goalie Elvis Merzlikins returned Sunday night against the Canucks in Vancouver, British Columbia, making 26 saves in the team's 2-1 win.

Merzlikins, a surprise standout this season for the Blue Jackets who has the most shutouts among rookie goalies, had been out since Feb. 24 with a concussion.

Entering the game, he was 12-9-8 with a 2.39 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. His five shutouts are one shy of the league lead.

Sunday's win was Merzlikins' 13th of the season, and it vaulted Columbus into the No. 1 wild-card slot in the Eastern Conference with 81 points.