CBJ crease: Korpisalo vs. Merzlikins

[Canucks13]

What’s the situation going to be with the Columbus tandem this year?

...Torts is notoriously known to ride goalies to the bones (b2b’s and all) but these 2 make it a bit more difficult having proven their worth to Torts. In the playoffs it was Korpisalo who put up some historic numbers and performances although I’m not sure if that will carry over or mean much in this season, despite it being Torts who loves riding the hot hand.

Is there a clear cut starter or will they be splitting? I have Dubnyk and am pondering if it’s worth dropping him for 1 of those 2

[chuckcouples]

It's definitely worth dropping Dubnyk for one of those 2. Which one of those 2 is going to be better...I have no idea but I would rather have the 1B on a good team than on the Sharks!

[hockeymanG23]

Drop Dubnyk for either one.

Personally I'd go with Elvis but either of them is a HUGE improvement.

[Axeman33]

Good luck trying to figure out the CBJ situation. I tend to think Korpisalo has the edge, and looking at the playoffs last year, I'd say Torts feels that way too, but who knows at this point. Either way, I'd drop Doobie for either guy. Flip a coin.

[j0hn_d0e]

I would drop Dubnyk for either one. To the question - they will probably share the crease. It depends on whoever is on a hot streak. It could end up 40-60 split for either one. But I would bet on Korpisalo. The fact that he was the one performing in the playoffs is huge. I believe that Torts will give Korpisalo the opportunity to be the starter from day one.

[Canucks13]

Yea I agree, will make the switch. I’m just waiting to see who’s announced starter and take it from there...assuming Torts will reveal his hand a bit in that sense even if it’ll be a platoon, who he prefers as his go-to.

Both are so neck-and-neck hahah, tough !!

[senryu]

Assume a 50/50 split until evidence surfaces otherwise. Merzlikins was paid $4 million and Korpisalo was paid less, so that is a slight sign of the club's long-term preference.

[hockeyrobot]

Good luck trying to figure out the CBJ situation. I tend to think Korpisalo has the edge, and looking at the playoffs last year, I'd say Torts feels that way too, but who knows at this point. Either way, I'd drop Doobie for either guy. Flip a coin.

Yep I am with Axe on this. Korpisalo by a hair but both over Dubnyk.

[Axeman33]

Assume a 50/50 split until evidence surfaces otherwise. Merzlikins was paid $4 million and Korpisalo was paid less, so that is a slight sign of the club's long-term preference.

Or a better agent negotiating

[Canucks13]

Korpisalo officially starts to begin the season


dropped Dubnyk (Jones bizarrely starting anyways) for him

[lucafen4]

Korpisalo is the default #1 after beating Toronto in the playoffs last year.
Supported by him getting the opening night nod in net.

Torts likes Korp so will lean on him of the two to start. When this all comes out in the wash.
I am fully expecting something like a 30-26 or 33-23 split in favour of Korpisalo this year.