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Marco Sturm explains the real reason Joonas Korpisalo was pulled in 6-2 loss to the Senators

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Austin Sabourin
December 22, 2025 (1:01 PM)

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Korpisalo got the start with the Bruins on a back-to-back, stepping in after Jeremy Swayman had carried the previous four games. It was his first start in five games, and the circumstances were never ideal.

Things unraveled fast. Ottawa generated chances off the rush and through sustained zone time, forcing Korpisalo to battle traffic and broken coverage early. The Bruins never settled into structure in front of him.

Early in the second period, with the score already out of reach, Sturm made the call. Korpisalo was pulled after allowing five goals on 17 shots, a move that immediately sparked reaction across the fan base.

Why Marco Sturm pulled Korpisalo

Following the game, Sturm was direct and notably protective of his goaltender. He said he did not want to pull Korpisalo and felt the team let him hang out to dry. That acknowledgment shifted responsibility back onto the skaters.

#NHLBruins Marco Sturm on pulling Joonas Korpisalo:

«Yeah no, I didn't really wanna do that. [Korpisalo] tried everything he possibly can, and we kind of let him hang.»

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From a fan perspective, those comments landed differently than expected. Many anticipated frustration aimed at Korpisalo, but instead Sturm highlighted breakdowns in coverage, effort, and support.

Sturm emphasized that Korpisalo tried everything he could, a statement that speaks to trust even amid poor results. It also underscores how quickly games can snowball when defensive details disappear.

Pulling a goalie is never an easy decision, especially one already struggling for confidence. Sturm's explanation suggested the move was as much about protecting Korpisalo mentally as it was about changing momentum.

The Bruins' bigger issue remains consistency in front of the crease. Goaltenders can survive mistakes, but not sustained chaos. That reality was exposed again last night.

Previously on Boston Hockey Insider

Suspension talk heats up after ugly David Pastrnak slew foot incident

Trade chatter heats up involving the Boston Bruins as 14 scouts present during Bruins-Senators game

Talk of Joonas Korpisalo being placed on waivers after recent struggles

POLL
DECEMBRE 22 \| 132 ANSWERS Marco Sturm explains the real reason Joonas Korpisalo was pulled in 6-2 loss to the Senators Did Marco Sturm make the right decision pulling Joonas Korpisalo?
▢ Yes
▢ No
▢ No choice

Marco Sturm explains the real reason Joonas Korpisalo was pulled in 6-2 loss to the Senators

Korpisalo got the start with the Bruins on a back-to-back, stepping in after Jeremy Swayman had carried the previous four games. It was his first start in five games, and the circumstances were never ideal.

Why Marco Sturm pulled Korpisalo

Did Marco Sturm make the right decision pulling Joonas Korpisalo?