Campbell injured, Kallgren starts against Buffalo
During his post practice press availability Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that Jack Campbell will not be starting for the Leafs in their tilt against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. Erik Kallgren will get the start instead.
According to Keefe, Campbell is dealing with something minor. With Mrazek out though, if Campbell isn't 100% it's best to give him the extra couple days of rest. The Leafs desperately need their starting goaltender healthy when the playoffs start.
There is a fine line between keeping a goaltender rested and disrupting their rhythm. Campbell is still working his way back to form after a rib injury derailed his season, but the lack of games played lately is worrisome. Campbell needs to be getting himself playoff ready as soon as possible, with only 10 games left on the schedule, now is the time you want your goalie to get hot.
The injury is, by the sounds of it, not a huge concern, just something nagging that they want to get taken care of. Nagging injuries are a part of life for any goaltender, there's always a strain or a pull somewhere. It's good that the Leafs are taking a proactive approach with Campbell here. He's well beyond his previous high mark for games played and keeping him in tip top shape for round 1 is a much bigger priority than having him in a Tuesday night game against the Sabres. According to Keefe he will be back in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Capitals.
| POLL | ||
11 AVRIL | 396 ANSWERS Campbell injured, Kallgren starts against Buffalo Will Jack Campbell be able to make it through a lengthy playoff run? | ||
| Yes, he'll be a gamer in the playoffs | 261 | 65.9 % |
| No, Kallgren will take over | 119 | 30.1 % |
| No, Mrazek will take over | 16 | 4 % |
| List of polls | ||
