Jack Campbell addresses recent struggles

PUBLICATION

Ben Hodgson
February 28, 2022 (2:26 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

It's been a rough go for Jack Campbell in recent weeks. After starting the season battling neck-and-neck with the likes of Igor Shesterkin and Jacob Markstrom for Vezina consideration, Campbell's game has regressed to the point where fans have gone from asking for a top-6 LW at the deadline to begging for a new starting goalie.

Campbell spoke to the media after practice today and took the time to talk about the issues he's been working through.

"I don't sugarcoat anything for you guys. I always give it you straight and for me it's just not up to my standard. There's been a little stretch lately where it just hasn't been up to my standard. And thankfully, I have amazing teammates and coaches and people in my life to help me and just chill out a little bit and move on. I'm just excited, it's a new day and just moving past it. But, thankfully, the boys really bailed us out there and Petr came in in a really tough situation and made saves down the stretch there and we were able to pull of the win

From the quote here, it's obvious that what Campbell has been struggling with is on the mental side. Goalies are weird, we know this. Simply trying harder often leads to more pucks going in, not less. Campbell at his best is calm, cool, collected and in position at the right time. Simply finding that balance, that «zen» feeling, will be all it takes to get Campbell back to his winning ways.

Easier said than done, but for a goalie as good as Campbell, my money is on him figuring it out sooner than later. It won't be tonight, however, as Petr Mrazek will get the start. Sheldon Keefe believes that Jack's dealing with a «mental block»and told reporters he wanted to give Campbell more time to «clear his head.» A little extra time to relax sounds like just what the doctor ordered, plus a little hot soup of course.

MUST READ