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yesterday

Team Finland Replaces Injured Luukkonen With Bruins Goalie Joonas Korpisalo for Olympics

The late switch leaves Juuse Saros and Kevin Lankinen atop Finland’s crease with Korpisalo expected as the No. 3 option before the Feb. 11 opener.

Jan 26, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (70) tends net against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Ukko Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo Sabres (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
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Overview

  • Buffalo announced Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will miss the Games after a lower-body injury sustained Jan. 27 against Toronto, and Lindy Ruff said he has not skated since.
  • Korpisalo joins Saros and Lankinen as Finland’s three goaltenders, with multiple outlets indicating he is likely the depth option and may not see action.
  • The Bruins backup is 10-8-1 with a 3.12 goals-against average and .895 save percentage in 21 NHL games; since Jan. 1 he leads Finnish NHL goalies in save percentage (.931) and GAA (1.89) in a limited sample.
  • Korpisalo called the selection a great honor and expressed sympathy for Luukkonen, noting tight travel and equipment logistics with only days to prepare.
  • Finland opens against Slovakia on Feb. 11, and Luukkonen’s expected role as a possible starter makes his absence a significant setback for the reigning Olympic champions.