September 29, 2023 by Mike Dirsa

Jack Campbell had a stellar performance for the Edmonton Oilers in their 2-1 overtime win over the Calgary Flames on Friday. The Oilers rested most of their top players, while the Flames iced a more experienced lineup. 

Campbell, who impressed in three playoff appearances last year, made several easy glove saves and kept his team in the game. The only goal he allowed was a shot by Elias Lindholm that was screened by his own defenseman Markus Niemelainen in the second period. 

Related: A fan’s weekend with the Oilers

The Flames thought they had scored again in the third, but newly named captain Mikael Backlund’s goal was waved off for goalie interference, and the Flames lost their challenge. Dylan Holloway capitalized on the ensuing power play and tied the game for the Oilers.

The game went to overtime, where Brad Malone scored on a breakaway to give the Oilers the win. Campbell was the main reason why the Oilers got to overtime and earned their second victory of the preseason.

“Frankly, I was a little nervous. I put a lot of work in this summer and wanted to do well, and you know, just really excited to go out and have a good performance and just keep building on the things I’ve been working so hard on” said Campbell after the game.

Campbell is looking to rebound from a career-worst season that saw him put up a 3.41 GAA and a .888 save percentage. He put in a lot of work physically and mentally this summer to solve his performance issues from last season. This game was a solid first showing for Campbell. Hopefully he can build on that during the regular season.