Prior to the 2023-24 season, the Ottawa Senators made a bold statement in search for a goaltender when they signed Joonas Korpisalo to a five-year, $20 million contract. Korpisalo seemed to have found his game again when he helped the Los Angeles Kings make the 2023 playoffs.
Unfortunately, Korpisalo's 2023-24 season with Ottawa was a struggling one. Korpisalo posted a 21-26-4 record with a 3.27 goals against average and a .890 save percentage. In attempt to upgrade from Korpisalo, the Senators traded him away and was able to receive 2023 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins.
This season, both Korpisalo and Ullmark entered this season with a chip on their shoulders with being traded. Although the Senators won the season series against the Bruins this season, Korpisalo's play against his old team went better than what most people would've expected.
Korpisalo allows in one goal against Senators all season
The Senators won the season series 3-1-0 against the Bruins this season. In the first two games between the two teams, Korpisalo didn't start or come in relief in both games. But, in the third and fourth meeting against the Senators, Korpisalo got his chance to shine against his old team, and he did.
In the Jan. 23 meeting, Korpisalo recorded a 29-save shutout against the Senators on Jan. 23. Last night, the Bruins started Jeremy Swayman against the Senators to keep their playoff push alive, but Swyaman's start wouldn't go as planned.
Swayman allowed in four goals in the first period in the Senators' 6-3 win. After the first period, Swayman was done for the night. Korpisalo ended up taking over for Swayman at the start of the second period where he kept the Bruins in the game. In 37:25 in relief, Korpisalo allowed in one goal on 15 shots on goal by the Senators.
In two games against the Senators, Korpisalo stopped 43-of-44 shots on goal in total by the Senators. Korpisalo's two games against his old team were solid.
Not many expected Korpisalo to have a steady season after his opening night disaster when he allowed in six goals. In a shocking twist, Korpisalo has a better goals against average than Swayman this season. Korpisalo has a 2.78 goals against average to Swayman's 2.98 goals against average.
With Korpisalo as the backup to Swayman, the Bruins are 30-29-8 this season and out of a playoff position. The Senators with Ullmark are 35-25-5 and hold the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference with 75 points. Clearly, the trade has favored the Senators with the standings, but Korpisalo did play well in the two games he played against his old team.