Campbell gets the start for Leafs in Game 1
Coach says goaltender has proven himself
Jack Campbell carried the ball in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. So it only makes sense that the goaltender will keep possession for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed on Sunday that Campbell will be in the crease on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena when the Leafs open their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens.
Campbell went 17-3-2 with a .921 save percentage in 22 games, playing a key role as the Leafs won the North Division for their first division title in 21 years.
That Campbell was expected to start wasn’t necessarily in question, but there was little to be gained from the media’s side in assuming that would be the case.
“It’s really his results that he’s got for us, both in wins and saves, and the confidence that he has built for himself and in turn, confidence that our team has in him,” Keefe said of his decision. “He has done a terrific job.
“The other part of it is the circumstances surrounding Fred (Andersen). Fred hasn’t played and in that time Jack has played extremely well.
“(Campbell) is definitely deserving of the opportunity to be in Game 1.”
Andersen had been out since March 19 because of a knee injury before he returned to play in one game, last Wednesday in Ottawa against the Senators.
Where Campbell was sharp, and reeled off 11 wins in a row to begin his season to set an NHL record, Andersen was inconsistent before he was forced to the sideline with the injury.
Andersen wound up with an .895 save percentage in 24 games, going 13-8-3.
That the Leafs didn’t have to automatically turn to Andersen once the soon-to-be free agent got his health back speaks not only to the overall performance of Campbell, but to the club’s depth in goal.
Campbell didn’t play like some backups might, with some hope and prayer thrown in for good measure. For the most part, he was steady and confident each time he went to work between the posts in the past four months.
Andersen has experience, and if the time comes that Keefe has to go to Andersen, the coach won’t hesitate. Then there’s David Rittich, who would be, at the least, backing up on many NHL teams. Michael Hutchinson occupies the fourth spot on the depth chart.
“It’s really important for us,” Keefe said. “That’s another area where the confidence of our team grows. It’s a tough decision that we had to make with Frederik. He has been a big part of our team and has been the guy in the playoffs.
“But it was not an overly difficult decision as it relates to Jack and the effort that he has put in. To have that confidence and support underneath Jack with someone of Frederik’s ability and experience, and then Rittich and beyond that with Hutchinson, you saw the job that he did, having to (play) in a tough spot for Colorado in the playoffs last year.
“Our depth and the confidence in our goaltending has grown significantly over the season and a half that I’ve been (coaching the Leafs).”
That’s crucial for any team that has designs on a Cup run.
More immediately, it’s crucial for the Leafs as Carey Price will be back in the Canadiens net after recovering from a concussion. Price hasn’t played since April 19.
“I feel pretty good right now,” Price said on Sunday. “Being able to take care of myself and rest mentally was nice for me.
“Goaltending is always an important part in the playoffs, but everybody needs to pull their weight. We’re going to need everybody to play at their full potential.”
Campbell will be playing in his first Cup playoff game on Thursday. For Price, it will be his 71st playoff game in the NHL.
On paper, that might give the Canadiens an edge. Take into account Price’s season, however, when he had a mediocre .901 save percentage in 25 games, and perhaps Montreal doesn’t have an edge in goal.
“That’s what makes the playoffs so much fun, is those opportunities,” Price said. “They don’t come as often people think. Everybody wants to be that guy. It’s a chance to prove yourself.
“It’s a golden opportunity. We’re all excited to play.”
IT’S REALLY HIS RESULTS THAT HE’S GOT FOR US, BOTH IN WINS AND SAVES.