Jack Campbell's Time in Edmonton Off to Wretched Start

Earlier in the summer, Oilers' GM Ken Holland signed Jack Campbell to a five-year, $25 million contract in hopes that the American backstop would be the answer to Edmonton's goaltending question.

Well, through Campbell's first four periods in an Oilers' sweater the situation looks a lot like it did a year ago. Through his first two starts for Edmonton, Campbell has allowed 7 goals against on 47 shots (.851 SV%), and in his first Battle of Alberta he was yanked after a 4-goal first period.

Not great...

It hasn't taken long for Edmonton's media to start chirping Cambell, as they -- reasonably -- expect more from him.

Campbell will need to be solid if the Oilers are going to reach their great expectations for themselves. Without adequate goaltending, no hockey team will win anything.

Although his start has been absolutely disgusting, there is ample time for Campbell to sort his game out. It is worth noting, however, that the Oilers are not the Maple Leafs.

Meaning, Campbell is coming from a top-five defense to a bottom-ten defense, which is a night and day difference for any goaltender, let alone an NHL-average one.

Head Coach Jay Woodcroft would be wise to bring the game more to his goaltender and maybe sacrifice a little bit of the Oilers' high-flying offense. If not, I foresee more spotty goaltending performances.

MUST READ

10 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Unforeseen Events Nearly Force Toronto Maple Leafs vs Utah Hockey Club Game to be Postponed

12 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks NHL Department of Player Safety Makes Official Ruling On Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes

13 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Canadian Team Unexpectedly Places 6-Foot-3 Enforcer on the NHL Waiver Wire

14 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Elliotte Friedman Hints at Trade of 30 Million Dollar Defenseman to Canadian Team

16 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch 900-Game NHL Veteran Likely to Retire After Refusing to Sign With Canadian Team

17 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Addresses Struggling Player Nick Robertson in New Interview

19 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Terrifying Scene for Carolina Hurricanes Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov as He Blacks Out on the Ice

Nov 23  |  By Tom Banks Angry John Tortorella Calls Out One Flyers Player: Trade is Likely Per Elliotte Friedman

MORE STORIES