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Joonas Korpisalo makes long-awaited return in hopes of stabilizing Rangers net
Joonas Korpisalo returned to the Rangers’ lineup against Seattle on Saturday, making his debut for the team after a foot infection kept him out for more than a month. His return comes as the club copes with Igor Shesterkin’s season-ending knee injury, and could help steady a goaltending group that has relied heavily on rookie Dylan Garand.
Garand had started 12 consecutive games and, among 11 NHL goalies with at least 12 appearances entering Saturday, ranked fourth with a .906 save percentage and a 2.52 goals-against average. The Rangers went 5-5-1 after Shesterkin’s injury; coach Mike Sullivan said Korpisalo’s return should allow the team to share the workload. A previous attempt to rest Garand with James Reimer ended with Reimer conceding three goals on eight shots.
In short
- Korpisalo made his Rangers debut after a foot infection.
- Shesterkin’s season-ending injury left rookie Garand carrying the workload.
- Korpisalo’s return is expected to give Garand some rest.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Korpisalo’s return gives the Rangers another experienced option at a time when Garand has carried a demanding workload, and sharing starts could help keep the rookie fresh. After Reimer struggled in his relief start, Korpisalo may offer a more dependable route to managing the crease while Shesterkin is out.
The case against
A return after more than a month away with an infection does not guarantee Korpisalo will be ready to provide steady NHL goaltending, and the Rangers may need time to assess his form. Garand’s strong numbers despite 12 consecutive starts make a case for continuing to rely on the rookie, while changing the rotation could disrupt a young goalie who has been performing well.