'Easy decision' for Keefe to go back to struggling Campbell

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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TSN Toronto Reporter Mark Masters reports on the Maple Leafs, who held a media availability at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Tuesday afternoon ahead of tonight’s rematch against the Devils.

A night after he allowed three goals on nine shots and was pulled in the first period, Jack Campbell will get a second shot at the New Jersey Devils. 

"It's a great opportunity for him to get right back in there and an opportunity for our team to do a better job in front of him," said head coach Sheldon Keefe. "It was a pretty easy decision."

Campbell, who will play in his first All-Star Game later this week, is struggling to find his form after a strong start to the season. He has a save percentage of .853 in his last six games dating back to Jan. 8. 

"He's in a good place," Keefe said. "Obviously, he's set a high standard for himself and has high expectations. He's met those expectations throughout this season so any time there's a dip there you want to get back on track and get back to it. That's part of why we're putting him back in the net tonight. He's ready to go. He's in the right mindset. I'm less focused on Jack and more focused on our team. We got to do a better job in front of him and defend a lot better." 

Petr Mrazek stopped 19 of 20 shots in relief on Monday night as the Leafs rallied for a 6-4 win at home. 

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Tuesday will be Toronto's final game before the All-Star break. Keefe politely declined to answer a question about expectations for the second half of the season, because he wanted to keep the focus on the task at hand and tonight's game. 

In addressing the players after the win on Monday night in Toronto, Keefe challenged the group to produce a better all-around