Blue Jackets’ Joonas Korpisalo to start Game 1 vs. Maple Leafs

John Tortorella addresses the media ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets' play-in round match up, stating that Joonas Korpisalo will start in goal, and how they will match up against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sportsnet Staff August 2, 2020, 11:57 AM

The Columbus Blue Jackets will turn to Joonas Korpisalo as their starting goaltender for Game 1 of their Stanley Cup qualifier series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Joonas Korpisalo starts for the #CBJ vs the #leafs in Game 1.

John Tortorella: "I'm not explaining it."

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 2, 2020

Head coach John Tortorella would not elaborate on why he chose Korpisalo over Elvis Merzlikins but did say that both are capable to start. In eight career games against the Leafs, Korpisalo has a 5-3 record with a .914 save percentage and went 1-1 against Toronto this season.

John Tortorella would not elaborate on why he chose Korpisalo ahead of Elvis Merzlikins, it's just that that's the way they're going for Game 1 tonight. He re-iterated that the Blue Jackets are not in the bubble now without the play of both goalies.

— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) August 2, 2020

The 26-year-old had a 19-12-5 record with a 2.60 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage this season. Merzlikins stepped in with Korpisalo out with an injury, playing in 33 games and posted a 13-9-8 record with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.

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