Jack Campbell has another awful AHL performance letting in first shot within first minute

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Ryan Hall
November 15, 2023 (10:03)

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Jack Campbell is experiencing another challenging performance with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. Since joining the team, he has yet to secure his first win, let alone prevent a minimum of three to four goals against.

The Condors, on the road faced the Calgary Wranglers. They lost the game 6-3 and Campbell let in 5 goals on 26 shots faced. Currently he hold a .819 save percentage and has been scored on 13 times in 3 games.

This downfall follows his demotion from the Edmonton Oilers, where he displayed atrocious numbers in the early games of the season.

General Manager Ken Holland had high hopes for Campbell when he arrived from the Toronto Maple Leafs two seasons ago. There were expectations that he would be the goaltender to lead the Oilers through the playoffs and into the Stanley Cup finals.

However, despite several tumultuous times with the Oilers, it seemed that, regardless of the team in front of him, if Campbell's confidence was shaken or lost, it became nearly impossible for him to recover.

Currently in the second year of his five-year $25 million contract, Campbell's demotion to the Condors has resulted in a $3.85 million cap penalty for the Oilers.

Given the current roster configuration, it's challenging to believe that the team can overcome its goaltending struggles. Oilers management faces the decision of searching for a new starting goaltender to salvage the season or sticking with the current goaltending situation, hoping for the best and relying on Stuart Skinner to revive the franchise.

As for Campbell, he will continue to ride the bus with the Condors, soul-searching as he seeks to figure out how to restore his position as a starting goaltender in the NHL.