Claimed:Is Blake Campbell Slumping? [Final 6/6]

[Banackock 8,143]

 

It's known for goalies in any league to go through little droughts when it comes to effectively shutting down their opponents and closing the door. Let's be honest, even the best of the best have off nights every now and then, but that doesn't make them any less than the "best". We've taken a look at one guy in particular who has seen much glory and success both as an individual and within his teams, but his career has certainly taken a slight dip this season. Due to this, we've taken a look, talked to the man of the hour and wanted to come up with a conclusion. We asked ourselves if he was heading into a drought and if so, how long it would really last. Luckily, this guy is not camera shy so he gave us the complete down low on what he thought.

 

Prior to the interview, we had taken a look at his statistics from previous seasons. During his first season of play, he played behind elite goalie - now retired - Brick Wahl. In his rookie campaign, he played 23 games, posting a record of 19-1-1 with a GAA of 1.40, SV% of .930, along with 8 shutouts. For a first year goalie, I'd say that's a pretty crazy record. The following season, he showed that he was able to play consistent, strong hockey and managed to help his team find a playoff berth and contend as far as they could, losing in game 7 of the semi finals. Within this season, he went 44-15-5, with a GAA of 1.93, SV% of .917 and 6 SO.

 

Given this, Campbell has a career record of 63-6-6 (obviously excluding this season). During his career, the spotlight has been on him for numerous of reasons. When he first entered the league, he was the furthest thing from camera shy. He let the media know of his intentions, as well as the pro league managers, and proved in the locker room, on the ice and in the training facilities that he had the potential to become the real deal. However, as most players go, he started to slump at the end of last seasons playoffs. A common thing among most new players/members, but a concern for the Stockholm management still. The question remains: is this just a slight drought, or is it an everlasting dessert that's gonna suck every drop of success out of Stockholm until they've run dry? We got to hear it from Blake himself and it looks like rain may be on the way.

 

"It's been tough for me the last little while to stay competitive and on my best game. I think it may be a mental thing. I came in pushing so hard that I may have overworked myself and we all know that's never a good thing. I'm not saying hard work is bad and that you can never work too hard - I think I just went a little overboard. I look to be the guy in net for Stockholm. Nobody is going to take that away from me. I worked fairly hard to get to where I am, Stockholm is my home and it's where I want to win a cup. I will do what it takes to win a  cup and if that means I need to be better for my teammates, than I will raise the level of my game and training in order to help my boys win those close games. We've struggled this season and a portion of it could be because of me. My numbers have dropped significantly and I feel a lot of weight right now on my shoulders. It's gonna be a hell of a battle, but I'm going to win it."

 

[Toast 887]

Content 3/3 - Campbell certainly surprised me with the rough start. It reminds me of my goalie back when he couldn;t put up a good season despite everything. Hopefully Campbell bounces back!

 

Grammar 2/2 - Yep

 

Appearance 1/1 - One picture is good enough

 

Final 6/6

[Kesler 1,514]

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