Campbell needs to chill out to get past ‘mental block’

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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The Maple Leafs skated at Capital One Arena in Washington on Monday. 

During a day off in Washington on Sunday, Jack Campbell watched the movie Uncharted.

"It's a solid one," the 30-year-old goalie said with a smile. "Check it out."

Like actors Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg in the movie, Campbell is in uncharted territory these days.

"I'm still learning," he said. "It's really my first full year as a No. 1 or playing a lot, I should say. I'm just trying to learn and get better each day. There's going to be a tough stretch here and there. Look around and a lot of great goalies have had tough stretches, but it's about how you overcome it and that's what I’m focused on."

Saturday marked a low point for Campbell this season. Head coach Sheldon Keefe felt he had to pull the All-Star even though the Leafs led 7-5 in the third period in Detroit. 

"I don't sugarcoat anything for you guys," Campbell said. "I always give it to you straight. For me, it's just not up to my standard. There's been a little stretch lately that hasn't been up to my standard."

Since the Leafs had a COVID pause in December, Campbell has struggled to regain his early-season magic. The Michigan native has posted an .887 save percentage in his last 15 games. 

"It's a mental block kind of thing going on now that he's got to work his way through," said Keefe, "but he'll get there."

Campbell was outstanding to start the season posting a .937 save percentage in his first 23 games. He carried the load with Petr Mrazek sidelined for most of the first half due to a groin injury. 

"Maybe you don't want to have such extremes," Keefe said. "Whether it's extreme good that he had established to now where it's gone the complete