The Columbus Blue Jackets will start netminder Joonas Korpisalo for Game 1 versus the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday night, head coach John Tortorella announced.
When asked why he chose Korpisalo, Tortorella wasn't keen on showing his hand.
"I'm not explaining it," he said, according to Mike Zeisberger of the NHL.com.
The team's decision on a starter was one of the biggest storylines tied to the club heading into the playoffs, as there are two viable Blue Jackets goaltending options between Korpisalo and rookie sensation Elvis Merzlikins.
They split time in 2019-20, with Korpisalo posting a 19-12-5 record and a .911 save percentage. The 26-year-old has never made a playoff start, and he's 5-3 lifetime versus the Maple Leafs.
Merzlikins was sensational this season while Korpisalo missed time with an injury. The Latvian registered a .923 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.35 in 35 appearances, playing a large role while helping the Blue Jackets stay in the playoff picture.
Game 1 begins at 8:00 p.m. ET.
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