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Toronto Maple Leafs: Jack Campbell’s form starting to raise questions

By Paul Taylor

Jan 19, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell (36) reacts after allowing a goal to New York Rangers center Ryan Strome (16) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell (36) reacts after allowing a goal to New York Rangers center Ryan Strome (16) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Jan 11, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Petr Mrazek (35) looks on during warmups before the start of the game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Too much reliance on Campbell

In this respect, it’s worth noting the recent game versus the Colorado Avalanche as an example. Purely from a statistical perspective, Campbell was spotted a 4-1 lead, before allowing four consecutive goals as the Leafs lost 5-4 in overtime.

However, if you delve deeper, the Port Huron, Michigan native actually played well while facing 49 shots on the night, against one of the top offences in the league. As per Mike Cranston of The Associated Press, Auston Matthews discussed his teammate’s performance:

"“Soup played unbelievable tonight,” Matthews said. “Honestly. I mean, some of the saves he made tonight, like one of them is going to be the save of the year. I think he did everything he could. That’s a really good team over there.”"

In terms of the Leafs relying too much on Campbell, this is almost literally the case. Through 37 games, he has started 28 times between the pipes and come in on another occasion.

Even when things were going well for Campbell, one of the few questions related to his ability to prove he can carry the load through a whole season. He has already set a personal season high for starts, with more than half of the regular season — and likely the playoffs — remaining.

Certainly you can understand the Leafs wanting to rely on their hot hand. This has also happened due to a combination of Petr Mrazek’s groin injury and nine games being postponed.

However, with the nine games being rescheduled and Mrazek now back, the Leafs will need to give Campbell more of a break regardless of his form. It will conceivably turn out to be to his benefit anyway, providing him with the opportunity to recharge and be re-energised come playoff time.

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