By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44
When Boston Bruins training camp began on September 18th, many fans felt Goaltending was a potential area of concern, especially with Jeremy Swayman still without a contract. While the Anchorage, Alaska native has not been in camp, three other Goaltenders have suited up for the B’s in his absence. How have they performed?
Brandon Bussi
A native of Sound Beach, New York, Brandon Bussi is entering his third full season in the Bruins organization. Through four of the Bruins’ seven scheduled preseason games, Bussi has logged 89:37 of ice time, second amongst Bruins’ Goaltenders. In that time, Bussi has accumulated a save percentage of .864%, a Goals Against Average of 4.02, and a Goals Saved Above Average of -1.45.
Despite these numbers, there is reason to believe Bussi can turn things around. Bussi has had a solid career in the American Hockey League thus far, recording a career save percentage of .918% and a goals-against average of 2.55 in 78 games. Whether or not he can find that level of success in the National Hockey League remains to be seen. However, he will get his next chance to do so Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Michael DiPietro
Of the trio of Bruins Goalies to dress this preseason, Michael DiPietro has received the least amount of playing time at 57:22. The Windsor, Ontario, native has a save percentage of .880% and a goals-against average of 3.13 in that time. DiPietro also has a high danger save percentage of .667% and a goals saved above average of -0.41.
DiPietro is likely to play this season in the AHL, provided he is unclaimed on the waiver wire. Since being acquired in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, DiPietro has been a steady presence in the net for both the Maine Mariners and Providence Bruins. Whether or not he gets another chance for the big club in preseason remains to be seen.
Joonas Korpisalo
Joonas Korpisalo has arguably been the Bruins’ best player through four games. The Pori, Finland native has played the most of any Bruins’ Goaltender, guarding the crease for 93:31. During that time, Korpisalo has posted a .936% save percentage, 1.92 goals against average, and a .938% high-danger save percentage.
In Swayman’s absence, Korpisalo has stepped up, which has not gone unnoticed by the Bruins’ Management. So much so that Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery has named Korpisalo the team’s starter on opening night in Sunrise, Florida.
“Really good,” said Montgomery when asked about Korpisalo’s play. “I mean, he reads the play quickly, he gets across on the seam plays, he comes out on the top of the crease and gives people not much. They hit him in the stomach or high because, with his size, he’s not giving up much to see the net.“. Korpisalo will be back in action on Thursday when the Bruins travel to Quebec City to play the Los Angeles Kings, their penultimate tune-up before the regular season opens on October 8th.
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