Jack Campbell earns some redemption as Condors win in San Jose
Jack Campbell faced some early adversity in San Jose, before putting in an impressive performance to backstop the Condors to a 4-2 win versus the Barracuda.
The last time Jack Campbell played for the Condors, it was a complete disaster. He allowed four goals on only 21 shots and was pulled just past the halfway point of a 5-2 loss to the Firebirds.
In a season of lows it was arguably his lowest point, as Campbell subsequently lost the number one netminder job to Olivier Rodrigue. The embattled goalie did not see any action in the five games which followed, as the Condors started to get their season back on track with eight out of a possible 10 points.
As a result, there was a lot of trepidation about Campbell starting in the crease for Saturday night's contest in San Jose. And through the opening period, this trepidation seemed justified.
Second-best in the first
Yes the Condors took a 1-0 lead just than two minutes into the game, courtesy of Carter Savoie's excellent finish from the right wing. However, the Barracuda went on to have the better of the opening 20 minutes, as they stormed back to take a 2-1 lead.
Even allowing for being slightly screened, Campbell should have done better on the Barracuda's tying goal. He couldn't do much about the host's second goal however, which was scored via a tip for the 2-1 advantage.
In fairness to Campbell it could have been even worse in the opening period, if he hadn't made three saves on a key sequence in between the two goals. Little did anyone realise that the 2010 11th overall draft pick would not be beaten again after the first period.
The turning point
The Barracuda arguably had the better of the second period as well, with them looking to beat the Condors for the second consecutive night. However, it was the visitors who would score the next goal, as Cameron Wright tied things up to make it 2-2 heading into the final period.
This was when the Condors produced their best play of the night, as they took their second lead of the game through Ben Gleason at the 6:20 mark. Gleason would eventually score his second, via an empty netter with 45 seconds remaining to make the final scoreline of 4-2 to the Condors.
On the night Campbell stopped 31 of the 33 shots he faced, to record his fifth win of the season. This included helping the visitors blank the Barracuda on four power play opportunities.
The Condors were also 0-for-4 with the man advantage, but it ultimately didn't matter. They improved to 10-1-3 this season in games when they scored at least three goals, a Gleason took home the game's First Star thanks to his two goals.
Next. 3 Oilers who have been a surprise so far in 2023-24. 3 Oilers who have been a surprise so far in 2023-24. dark
With the win the Condors improve to 12-10-3 on the season and while they remain in eighth place in the Pacific Division, they do have games in hand on those above them. Next up, they will host the Abbotsford Canucks on Wednesday night.