Michael DiPietro had a quick response when asked about Bruins' starting goalie Joonas Korpisalo's potential return in Boston's matchup against Columbus. "He better," DiPietro joked after the Bruins secured a 4-2 victory.
Korpisalo's brief injury scare against the Blue Jackets shook up Boston’s goalie lineup in their first game back after a three-week break. With both Jeremy Swayman and Korpisalo available, head coach Marco Sturm chose to give Swayman, fresh off an Olympic gold with Team USA, a bit more practice time before his next start.
Korpisalo got the nod for the game, while DiPietro, an emergency recall from the Providence Bruins, was ready as backup.
Sturm explained, "We just wanted to give Swayman a good practice. Today and tomorrow will be key for him before our afternoon game against Philadelphia."
The Bruins' goalie situation was tested when Blue Jackets winger Miles Wood collided with Korpisalo in the crease, resulting in a goaltender interference call. Korpisalo was pulled temporarily due to league concussion protocols.
“It’s league protocol. It’s a pretty big bump,” Korpisalo noted about being taken out of the game.
DiPietro found himself back in an NHL net for the first time since 2022, stepping in during a power play. With little time to warm up, he focused on staying calm and ready.
DiPietro played for just over six minutes, stopping two shots and holding the line until Korpisalo's return. During his stint, DiPietro thwarted a shorthanded chance from Columbus, while Morgan Geekie scored to give Boston a 2-1 lead.
“I’m just glad I didn’t screw it up,” DiPietro said. “Made a couple saves and held it down until Korpi was ready to go back in.”
Korpisalo returned to form, stopping 36 of 38 shots in the win. Sturm praised both goalies, highlighting Korpisalo’s .923 save percentage over his last eight games and DiPietro’s readiness.
DiPietro, the AHL Goalie of the Year in 2024-25, continues to shine with Providence, boasting a 22-6-0 record and a .938 save percentage this season.
“Korpi was unbelievable today,” Sturm said. “And Mikey, what a story.
He’s been rock-solid. That little stretch, he made some key saves.
Both goalies were outstanding.”