Seldom-seen Korpisalo earns trust as backup

PITTSBURGH — In some NFL cities, the most popular guy in town is the backup quarterback.

That is seldom the case in the NHL, where the backup goaltender can sometimes be a forgotten fellow.

For Columbus, Joonas Korpisalo doesn’t see much game action, and some fans might not know who plays in

goal for the Blue Jackets when Sergei Bobrovsky does not.

As the backup to one of the top goalies in the league, Korpisalo uses his practice time to keep his body and mind sharp so when Bobrovsky isn’t in the cage, Korpisalo is ready to go.

“I got a little glimpse of that last season when I came up, so it has been a little easier on me this season,” Korpisalo said. “For me, I have to give my all in practice, and that gives me a good feeling. That gives me confidence. That’s key to the whole thing.”

Korpisalo’s teammates definitely notice his team- first attitude and appreciate what he brings to the Jackets.

“He needs to play and he needs to win, and he has found his way,” coach John Tortorella said after

Korpisalo backstopped the Jackets to a 4- 2 win over Toronto with 39 saves last week.

“It’s hard for him because he gets little work at times, has been bounced back to Cleveland. He’s a guy, I think, all the guys really pull for because they know he gets shoved around a little bit. I’ve always loved his mindset. Nothing bothers him. He just goes about his business.”

Backup goalies, while not always wellknown to the casual fan, are usually pretty popular guys within their team.

Players definitely recognize the hard work they put in with out getting much of the glory.

“He gets a game in every 10, it seems, so we know how tough that must be to stay focused every day,” left wing Matt Calvert said. “He is always sharp, has been real

good for us when we need him back there. When you’re injured, it’s tough coming back ( after the layoff). He does that all the time.”

In some cities, teams just hope to survive a night without their starter in net, and maybe play for a point.

Yet in Columbus, the Jackets have faith in their 23- year- old backup who helped the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters win the Calder Cup two seasons ago.

“He gives us a chance every time he’s out there,” defenseman Seth Jones said. “Our goalies bail us out all the time.”

Korpisalo is 4- 3- 0 this season, getting in just eight of the 37 games so far. He has a 2.84 goals- against average and .911 save percentage.

“He is a guy I have been so impressed with,” captain Nick Foligno said. “He comes to work every day smiling and then gets to work. He’s a gamer when he gets in there. He works his butt off for us. What a great teammate. I’m proud of him.”

Though some players bristle when sent to the minors, Korpisalo said he welcomes the chance to go to Cleveland when asked. “It’s a great thing,” he said. “I want to go every time I get the chance.”

So far this season, Korpisalo has gone to the AHL for a pair of games with the Monsters.

He is always welcomed back upon his return.

“We have a great team, great players and great people here,” Korpisalo said. “It is hard when you know you’re not playing, but it’s only a few hours of work a day. You have to be a pro, give it your all every day.”