Bruins Preparing for Joonas Korpisalo to Start Season Opener vs. Panthers
As the Boston Bruins gear up for the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, all eyes are on the crease, where goaltender Joonas Korpisalo is expected to make his debut for the team in the season opener against the Florida Panthers. Korpisalo, who was acquired in the offseason to solidify the Bruins’ goaltending situation, will have the tall task of facing a formidable Panthers offense in his first game in a Bruins uniform.
Korpisalo, 30, joins Boston after spending the previous season with the Ottawa Senators, where he posted solid numbers and proved himself as a reliable option between the pipes. The Bruins, coming off an outstanding regular season but a disappointing playoff exit, were looking for more stability in net following the departure of Linus Ullmark. With Jeremy Swayman still on the roster, the decision to bring in Korpisalo was seen as a move to create competition and depth in the goaltending position, with many expecting Korpisalo to emerge as the primary starter.
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery has been confident in Korpisalo’s ability to rise to the challenge. “Joonas is an experienced goaltender, and we believe he has what it takes to step in and make an immediate impact,” Montgomery stated during a press conference. “He’s been in big moments before, and we’re excited to see how he handles the challenge of being our number one guy.”
Korpisalo’s addition brings playoff experience and a proven track record to the Bruins. He is best remembered for his standout performance in the 2020 postseason with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he set a modern-day record for most saves in a single playoff game (85 saves in a five-overtime thriller). Since then, Korpisalo has faced ups and downs, but he remains a goalie with the potential to steal games on any given night. His ability to remain calm under pressure will be key, especially against the Panthers, who feature an explosive offense led by Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov.
The Bruins will need Korpisalo to be sharp from the first puck drop, as Florida has a history of starting seasons strong. The Panthers reached the Stanley Cup Final last year and will be hungry to build on that success. Facing them in the season opener will be a good early test for Korpisalo and the Bruins’ defense. Montgomery and the coaching staff are expected to implement a more defensive structure this season, designed to protect their goaltenders and limit high-danger scoring chances. This will be crucial for Korpisalo to feel comfortable early on.
With the weight of expectations high in Boston, Korpisalo’s performance in the season opener could set the tone for the Bruins’ campaign. Bruins fans are eager to see how the new-look team, with its new goaltender, handles the first test of the season against one of the league’s toughest teams. All signs point to Korpisalo being ready for the challenge, and his ability to perform could very well shape Boston’s early-season success.
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