The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that goalie Joonas Korpisalo is sidelined indefinitely with a right leg injury. Columbus called up goalie Matiss Kivlenieks from the Cleveland Monsters on an emergency basis.
#CBJ add G Matiss Kivlenieks on emergency recall. https://t.co/od6v3hTTIk
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 30, 2019
Joonas Korpisalo Out for Columbus
Korpisalo was injured during a 3-2 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. The Finnish goalie got up awkwardly after Jonathan Toews scored on his attempt during the shootout. Korpisalo got up slowly and made his way to the bench,where he needed help getting up the step.
Elvis Merzlikins had to finish the game and the Blue Jackets lost the game. Columbus head coach John Tortorella got angry after the game because time was not put on the back during the overtime session by referee Dan O’Halloran. The Blackhawks got assessed for too many men men on the ice, but time was not put back on.
Zach Werenski‘s goal .2 seconds after time expired did not count. Tortorella did not hold back in his post-game press conference
“The whistle is blown at 19.2 on the clock,” Tortorella said. “For some reason, the clock is run down a second and a tenth to 18.1. Whatever reason, I have no (expletive) idea. So instead of resetting the clock, we have them tell our captain we’re not going to do it.
Korpisalo’s Stats
The 25-year-old is 17-10-4 with a 2.49 goals against average and .913 save percentage. Korpisalo also has two shutouts in 32 games played this season.
The Pori, Finland native has played all five seasons with the Blue Jackets. He has a career record of 58-41-13 in 122 games with a 2.78 goals against average and .908 save percentage. Korpisalo also has three career shutouts.
What This Means for the Future
Many fear this injury will be long-term for the Blue Jackets’ top goalie. He has filled in admirably as the team’s number one after the departure of Sergei Bobrovsky.
Columbus is 6-0-4 in their last 10 and Korpisalo is a big part of that success. However, the Blue Jackets will have to piece it together without their top goalie.
Tortorella is facing a fine for his criticism of the timekeeper and officials.
OTTAWA, ON – APRIL 06: Columbus Blue Jackets Goalie Joonas Korpisalo (70) waits for play to resume during second period National Hockey League action between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators on April 6, 2019, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
