Jack Campbell reveals what is motivating the Leafs in their series against the Lightning and the 2022 Playoffs
By now, we've come to expect Jack Campbell to make it all about the team as a whole, sharing the love or sometimes passing it off entirely, even when he himself is the one who carries the Leafs to a clutch victory. It's just a part of who he is. Campbell is very humble, very appreciative of those around him and that's one of the things that has endeared him to the fan base.
This team has some lofty goals and in order to achieve those goals, the Leafs, and Campbell in particular, are going to have to be at the top of their game. It starts with Thursday night's Game 6 in Tampa. The Buds have just two chances to close out the defending Stanley Cup Champs, and I don't think anyone in Leafs Nation wants to see this one go to Game 7.
Following Tuesday's Game 5 win, the team and the coach revealed that what sparked the Leafs' comeback was a conversation that the team had during the 1st intermission, when Jason Spezza stepped up and made a speech to try to spark the team. Spezza also took the time to help settle Campbell down during a TV timeout after the 30-year-old netminder had allowed two goals early and seemed rattled. Those are just two reasons why the Leafs want to go all the way this season.
There is some selfish motivation for sure, as everyone goes through their hockey career hoping to have their name engraved on the Stanley Cup, but the Leafs as a whole, as Campbell revealed on Wednesday, have a goal that's bigger than themselves as individuals. They want to win for the guy beside them. The veterans in particular.
"It's a pivotal focus for us. It's everything. Get Spezza a ring. And Simmer. And so many guys. And for the city. So, a lot of motivation."
-Campbell on the level of importance the team has placed on going all the way this year
-Campbell on the level of importance the team has placed on going all the way this year
If the Buds can get past the Bolts in round 1, it will be a huge step in proving that this team truly is different. It's arguable that, aside from the Nashville Predators, who drew the Colorado Avalanche in round 1, the Leafs had the toughest first round matchup of all against the back-to-back Champs. The momentum that knocking off the Lightning could provide the Leafs with could be absolutely game-changing.
Having said that, the Leafs will also have to remain focused on maintaining the same level of focus and intensity that they showed during the 2nd and 3rd periods in Game 5 the rest of the way, because the deeper they go, the higher the stakes. For a team who has historically buckled under pressure, the right mindset will make all the difference.
If the Leafs can maintain their focus on winning for the right reasons, for the guys beside them, for the veterans in the room who are running out of time, this could end up being a very deep, very successful postseason run.
| POLL | ||
MAI 11 | 614 ANSWERS Jack Campbell reveals what is motivating the Leafs in their series against the Lightning and the 2022 Playoffs If the Leafs do manage to go all the way and win the Stanley Cup this year, who will walk away with the Conn Smythe Trophy? | ||
| Jack Campbell | 217 | 35.3 % |
| Mitch Marner | 117 | 19.1 % |
| Auston Matthews | 237 | 38.6 % |
| Other | 43 | 7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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