KORPISALO
Tuesday began with “a nice surprise” for Korpisalo, who was sad to learn that morning that starter Sergei Bobrovsky was sick but “happy to get into any game,” especially after surrendering five goals each of his two previous starts.
It ended with the wellliked backup stealing the show. Defenseman Zach Werenski added that it validated the “total trust” teammates had in Korpisalo.
“Huge two points … huge,” said Korpisalo, who made 37 saves, including 19 during a spotless first period. “I’m going to enjoy a little bit of this, then keep going, forget it and be even better in the next game.”
It’s unclear how many of the Jackets’ final 15 regular-season games over 31 days will include Korpisalo in goal. Tuesday was his 14th appearance of the season, matching his total for the 2016-17 season. Bobrovsky has played 54 games, nine fewer than his career high established last season, and if he’s to shed his postseason struggles this spring, it’ll help if he’s rested.
Tuesday’s performance was a reminder of why Tortorella didn’t sour on Korpisalo after the goalie lost three of his first four starts this season. And why, after Korpisalo won four of his next five while posting a .929 save percentage and 2.32 goals-against average, the coach insisted the backup’s action shouldn’t be limited to giving Bobrovsky a breather because Korpisalo “deserves that type of respect.”
Korpisalo had lost four of his previous five starts before Tuesday, with a 3.97 goals-against average and .882 save percentage during that stretch.
“He’s been living under a couple of starts that I know he thinks he should have been better,” Tortorella said.
Korpisalo said Tuesday’s game was one of three this season in which he’s felt the most comfortable. It’s easier for him to play well when he faces many shots, he added, and the Golden Knights provided them in the first period.
“He was fantastic. Fantastic,” Jackets defenseman Ian Cole said. “We had a goal right way and then we took our foot off the gas for a couple of minutes, and they had a flurry of chances. That game very easily could have been tied or us down one if he didn’t make some unbelievable saves. He really kept us in that game early and then certainly sealed that for us.”
Tortorella said Korpisalo “just looked like, ‘I’m playing well tonight.’ ”
And Korpisalo’s cool demeanor, he added, is crucial for a team counting on both of its goalies to make the playoffs.
“One of the most important things is that his team sees it,” Tortorella said. “It’s good for him. It’s good for the coaches. More importantly, it’s good for the team. I’ve always said, the team likes playing in front of him.”