Campbell: 'Nice to get a shot' in goal during Oilers' comeback win
Jack Campbell appreciated getting an opportunity to enter the crease as his Edmonton Oilers rallied to defeat the Los Angeles Kings in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series Sunday night.
Campbell came on in relief of Stuart Skinner, who allowed three goals on 11 shots before getting the hook after 20 minutes in Edmonton's 5-4 overtime victory.
"It's a nice win, nice to get a shot, and (I'm) just happy for the guys," Campbell said postgame. "Stu's been playing great when he's been in there. We had a tough first (period), but everybody bounced back, and (it) feels good."
The Kings stormed out to a 3-0 lead after the opening frame, but the Oilers responded with three goals of their own in the second. Los Angeles defenseman Matt Roy gave his team a 4-3 lead early in the third period, but Evander Kane tied it late in regulation before Zach Hyman won it in overtime to even the series at two games apiece.
Oilers star Leon Draisaitl scored two of the three goals in the second period, finding the back of the net twice in a span of just over 10 minutes. He's been on the ice for all 14 goals Edmonton has scored in the series. The German forward praised Campbell's performance postgame.
"Really, really good," Draisaitl said. "Not an easy situation, (it) hasn't been an easy year for him. But the way he showed up (Sunday night) was really, really great, and we're very fortunate to have him."
Campbell turned aside all but one of 28 shots after entering the contest. The 31-year-old was outplayed by Skinner during the regular season, but the younger netminder has been a bit inconsistent in these playoffs, going 1-2 with an .881 save percentage in four games.
Skinner had grabbed Edmonton's No. 1 job from Campbell and held it for the balance of the regular season. Skinner provided stability in goal for the Oilers in what was technically his rookie campaign, posting a .914 save percentage in 50 regular-season games.
Campbell was expected to be the unquestioned starter heading into the season because the Oilers signed him to a five-year, $25-million deal as a free agent last July. But the veteran was uneven out of the gate and ultimately posted a paltry .888 save percentage over 36 games - his worst mark in any season in which he played more than a single game - before these playoffs.
Game 5 of the series is scheduled for Tuesday night in Edmonton.
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