Joonas Korpisalo to Start Against Anaheim; Bruins Backup Looks to Rebound from Difficult Season

Joonas Korpisalo will start in goal against Anaheim on Wednesday, as reported by Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune. Korpisalo had a challenging 2023-24 season, considered by some as the NHL's worst starting goalie, with a 21-26-4 record, an .890 save percentage, and a -13.6 GSAx. He was traded to Boston in the offseason and will serve as Jeremy Swayman's backup, with hopes that Bruins goalie coach Bob Essensa can help resurrect his game, potentially making him a decent spot starter behind a stronger team. His 2022-23 campaign highlighted the impact of team defense, as he posted an 11-11-3 record, 3.17 GAA, and .911 SV% in 28 games with Columbus (31st in xGA), then improved to 7-3-1, 2.13 GAA, and .921 SV% in 11 games after being acquired by the Kings (3rd in xGA). After signing a five-year, $20 million contract with Ottawa last summer, the 29-year-old was projected for 20-25 wins, a 2.60-2.90 GAA, and a .910-.915 SV% in a career-high 45-50 starts. His 2021-22 season was marred by injury and ineffectiveness, with a 7-11-0 record, 4.15 GAA, and .877 SV% in 22 appearances, ending with hip surgery in March. He previously sparkled in the 2020 playoffs with a .941 save percentage and an 85-save performance.