Jack Campbell relishing success with Kings after rough road to NHL
MONTREAL, QB – Jack Campbell was scrambling to shed his goalie gear in the Los Angeles Kings dressing room following a 3-0 win against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, stuffing things into an equipment bag as reporters gathered in front of him.
Beside him, Kings backup goalie Peter Budajwas in less of a hurry.
“Take your time,” Budaj said. “Enjoy it. You’ve earned it. You get your first shutout only once.”
Three seasons ago, Campbell had been bouncing from the Dallas Stars to their American Hockey League and ECHL affiliates, spinning his goaltending wheels. Now, pressed into duty with Kings No. 1 goalie Jonathan Quick out indefinitely with a lower-body injury sustained Oct. 6, the 26-year old was accepting congratulations from teammates after his 40-save shutout at Bell Centre, his first in 10 NHL games spread across six seasons.