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Boston Bruins: The goaltenders that’ll decide the Atlantic Division

By Luke Ryan

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 12: Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning gives up a goal against John Moore #27 of the Boston Bruins during the third period at Amalie Arena on December 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 12: Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning gives up a goal against John Moore #27 of the Boston Bruins during the third period at Amalie Arena on December 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Boston Bruins
COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 14: Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins #90 of the Columbus Blue Jackets stops a shot on goal from the Boston Bruins in the second period using his chest on January 14, 2020 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Joonas Korpisalo/Elvis Merzlikins (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Not only are these two the form pairing in the whole of the NHL lately, they have a real chance to play spoiler despite not being in the Atlantic.

All of the top four contenders still have a game to play against Columbus, but more importantly for Boston Bruins fans, the Lightning have to play them three more times this season.

Since January 1st, Elvis Merzlikins has faced 360 shots (only Carey Price has faced more in that time) and only conceded 20. In his 11 starts, he’s led the Blue Jackets to 9 wins with an elite save percentage of 0.944.

Whether it’s a streak that ends or whether it’s sustainable is still a question that hasn’t been answered, but right now, there’s no better goalie in the league.

Joonas Korpisalo is no slouch either and although he didn’t see any ice-time in January, he finished up the previous month with a stellar 1.94 goals against average and save percentage of 0.932.

With his return from injury expected very soon, the Blue Jackets have a very dangerous pair of goaltenders back-stopping the team. Dangerous for their opposition, at least!

Both are in contract years and you’d expect them to both be highly motivated to keep performing at the same level, especially with the Blue Jackets starting to make a little noise within their own division.

With the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers all hot on Columbus’ tail, it’s a safe bet that their young goaltenders will be intensely focused on the job at hand.

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