Another franchise record for Jack Campbell
With a 4-3 shootout victory over Anaheim on Wednesday, Jack Campbell secured yet another Leafs franchise record by becoming the fastest Leafs goalie to reach the 40 win mark.
Who would have thought, the throw-in backup goalie from the Kyle Clifford trade would become not only the Leafs' starting netminder but, so far, one of the best the Leafs have ever had.
Campbell took over the starter's net in style last season, winning his first 11 starts of the season and setting an NHL record in the process. He was also stellar for the Leafs in the playoffs, with a miniscule 1.81 GAA and a .934 sv% in 7 games.
Campbell was, and still may be, an early Vezina candidate. At the very least, he's in the conversation. He Sits 8th in GAA and sv% among all NHL goalies with 2.26 and .926 respectively. He's also tied for 6th in the NHL with 20 wins in 30 games. His 4 shutouts are good for 2nd in the league, trailing only Calgary's Jacob Markstrom.
Campbell has seen a slight dip in his play of late, more than likely due to the heavy workload he's been dealt to start the season. Now that backup goalie Petr Mrazek is healthy, he should see some well deserved rest. If the Leafs are to make the fabled playoff run we all so desperately want.. no.. NEED to see, they'll need Campbell at the top of his game.
