By Matthew Lemear | Follow Me on X @Mlemear331
This past summer, to the dismay of many, the Boston Bruins traded goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators. The move was one that Bruins fans all knew was coming eventually, but that did not make accepting it any easier. In exchange for Ullmark, the Bruins received a first-round draft pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Mark Kastelic, and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.
What happened next? The Bruins’ fanbase collectively lost their minds. I will admit that I, too, was skeptical of this trade. However, I was willing to see it play out, mainly because the Bruins coaching staff is known for producing successful goalies.
Lost in this back-and-forth season for the Boston Bruins, which has frustrated management, coaches, players, and fans alike, is how well Joonas Korpisalo has actually played, especially in games after a loss. Ty Anderson pointed out on his X page earlier this week that the Bruins have gone to Korpisalo 11 times after a loss so far this season and that he owns a record of 8-1-2 in those games for 18 out of a possible 22 points.
The benefit to a team with an asset like this is unmeasurable. Fans of all teams across all sports have seen losses turn into more losses and frustration, which can tear teams apart and lead to major personnel changes both on the ice and field, behind the benches, and in the front office. On many occasions this season, a masterful Korpisalo performance has led to fans holding onto glimmers of hope of a turnaround.
Korpisalo has played in 17 games total, 15 of which are as the starter. Overall, Korpisalo’s record is 9-4-2 for 20 out of a possible 30 points. He owns a goals-against average of less than three and a save percentage of .899%. Despite what it may seem at times, Korpisalo has been a solid addition to this team and has been able to “stop the bleeding,” as Ty Anderson stated, on multiple occasions. In addition to his overall record and his record after a loss, Korpisalo has three shutouts on the season.
I was fortunate enough to be at the game for his most recent shutout against the Senator. Believe me when I tell you this: Joonas Korpisalo was sensational and easily the best player on the ice all night. Korpisalo’s performance last week even earned him the honor of one of the NHL’s top goalies of the week. https://www.nhl.com/bruins/player/joonas-korpisalo-8476914
In the future, seeing Korpisalo get more of a rotation in the net with counterpart Jeremy Swayman would be nice. Having more of a rotation may also lead to more success for the team. However, that is purely speculation but a proven method for this franchise in the past. Swayman’s play has markedly improved since the beginning of the season; however, there are still struggles. Continuing struggles, coupled with living up to a monster contract and having his first season as the main workhorse, seem to be a poor combination.
As previously mentioned, the Bruins have made the goalie rotation work, and it has been a great success in recent seasons. Bruins fans are familiar with how successful Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark were the past three seasons in a goalie rotation.
I mean, the rotation worked so well that Ullmark won a Vezina trophy, and Jim Montgomery even utilized the rotation during the playoffs last season until Jeremy Swayman went on an absolute heater and took over the net. Knowing all of this, perhaps allowing Swayman a few more nights of rest during the season would be beneficial. Allowing Korpisalo to play more would also showcase him for any potential trade partners come the deadline in March.
In a season that has not, and likely will not, live up to expectations, the backup goalie situation for the Bruins has not been as grim as many thought it might be. Honestly, it has not even been as bad as it may seem at first glance. Many fans, me included, have watched Korpisalo play and have expressed frustration; however, when you take the time to take a deep dive and get a better look, you will see that there is actually a bright spot hiding there.
Korpisalo has had more good than bad performances; he has been a crutch when the team needed it most, and considering the fanbase’s initial thoughts, Korpisalo has been much more than anticipated. In a season of frustration, something Bruins fans have not been accustomed to over the last decade-plus, take solace in looking at the few bright spots that continue to shine for this team.
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