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Ty Conklin’s Your Starter
by IwoCPO on 02/19/09 at 03:02 PM ET
Comments (45)
There’s a large contingent of the 19 heading to JLA tomorrow night to see the Wings take on Sasquatch and the Poultry. This whole deal has been honcho’d by MOWingsFan19 and he’s been beating the drum for about a month now. I don’t know how many will be going, or who…mainly because I won’t be one of them so I’d rather just avoid thinking about it.
But I’ll tell them this. It’s gonna be a conk fest.
Wings goaltender Ty Conklin will try to stretch his home winning streak to 11 games Friday when he starts against Anaheim, which is in a tough battle to make the playoffs.
Somebody pointed this out yesterday and it’s brilliant: Chris Osgood has exactly one more game of less than 3 goals allowed than Ty Conklin does shutouts. Think about that. Have a ballcap Chris. Keep it on for a while. Like ‘til mid June or so.
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Comments
... and the Winged Wheel’s recent tradition of winning the Stanley Cup with a different goalie each time continues?
Fear the Conk. Bitches.
Posted by Deuce from Brooklyn on 02/19/09 at 03:38 PM ET
I wish I could think of a clever way to bash the California teams using the whole “putting a Conk Shell to your hear and you can hear the ocean”, but work has my brain fried right now. Please buy american cars, I need this job.
Let’s see another poultry bashing tomorrow, didn’t the Wings have like 60 shots when they played them one time earlier this year…yeah let’s do that again.
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 02/19/09 at 03:47 PM ET
Sounds good Chief. Hope the 19 going to JLA have fun yelling at Sasquatch. I will be sure to have a few cocktails tomorrow nite rooting for the Conk to beat the Poultry into submission. A couple more beatings might make them finally break as far as the playoffs are concerned.
I still have bad dreams from 2007. The Cup that should have been ours.
Posted by Jeff from Loveland, CO on 02/19/09 at 03:48 PM ET
It’s gonna be a conk fest.
No Osrt isn’t going no matter how many Conk references you use (or Big Conk ones) 
HTT, Baroque, NateA, Calquake & myself will represent the 19 in proper fashion.
If the game doesn’t end with a Wing win, we have some non-19 attendees we can point the fingers at too!
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/19/09 at 03:52 PM ET
Speaking of Conks, has anyone ever noticed that whenever the mainstream hockey media talks about the Red Wings’ “goalie issues” they start by pointing out the obvious (that Osgood has sucked balls this year) and then invariably say something like “Conklin has been shaky himself” or “Conklin hasn’t been much better”.
Watch for this in the next article you read on the subject. Every time. Like clockwork. Guaranteed.
My question in this: What is this based on? Seriously. Look at Conklin’s game log. (can’t link directly to it for some reason) Where are all these “shaky” performances? I can think of maybe two games this year where I thought Conklin looked bad or “blew up”.
Here’s a challenge to The 19: I’ll give every one of you a shiny new nickel if you can find a non-Detroit-based major media article that says something to the effect of “Conklin, who is second in the league in shutouts,...”
Good luck.
Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 02/19/09 at 03:55 PM ET
I really think this is good for Ozzie.
Makes a statement: “Conks is #1”.
That takes all the pressure off Ozzie.
Let him play back-up, like he did for Hasek last year.
Posted by w2j2 on 02/19/09 at 03:56 PM ET
... and the Winged Wheel’s recent tradition of winning the Stanley Cup with a different goalie each time continues?
um, 2 of the 4 were Osgood. unless you meant not the same goalie twice in a row.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 02/19/09 at 04:04 PM ET
See page 12 of impact:
Bad Ass Wings walking in smoke behind…The Conk!
http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=29353
Posted by w2j2 on 02/19/09 at 04:05 PM ET
um, 2 of the 4 were Osgood. unless you meant not the same goalie twice in a row.
Doesn’t count. That’s known as the Grover Cleveland Rule.
Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 02/19/09 at 04:08 PM ET
Doesn’t count. That’s known as the Grover Cleveland Rule.
Very Sharp..!
Are you related to Baroque..?
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 02/19/09 at 04:39 PM ET
Speaking of Conks, has anyone ever noticed that whenever the mainstream hockey media talks about the Red Wings’ “goalie issues” they start by pointing out the obvious (that Osgood has sucked balls this year) and then invariably say something like “Conklin has been shaky himself” or “Conklin hasn’t been much better”.
Watch for this in the next article you read on the subject. Every time. Like clockwork. Guaranteed.
My question in this: What is this based on? Seriously.
Mandingo, I am with you here. I don’t get it. Conklin has been the prototypical Wings goalie this season. Compare his numbers this season to Ozzie’s when he won the Cup in 1998. Eerily similar. I posted them the other day if you go back a few posts.
Further, the eyeball test shows us this. Conklin does the things the Red Wings need—very few soft goals allowed, good rebound control, and overall is decent at playing the puck (Dom was the exception to the rule, but he was in many, many ways…). Conklin won’t stand on his head, but Wings keepers have never been asked to (in this era), not even Dom. If the goalie can soak up rebounds, control the temp and possession of the puck for his team, he’s perfect for Detroit.
This is the player that Ozzie was in ‘98 and ‘08. Heck, even in the ‘97 regular season, that was his game, and he played it pretty well. But this season he’s been very bad with his rebounds and his judgment in holding the puck/playing it off. And the weak goals are obvious. Yes, every goalie gives up a softy here and there, but Conklin has been much steadier on the garden variety wristers from the circles (see the shutout of the Pens—swallowed up all perimeter shots, didn’t give up rebounds, and got the Wings in the faceoff circle when they need to be there).
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 02/19/09 at 04:45 PM ET
Let me add one thing—Ozzie has time to turn it around, especially if we’re talking for ‘09-‘10, but be honest—if you had to make the decision today, salary cap/buyout/contract issues aside, would you rather see Conklin playing along side Howard/Larsson next season, or Ozzie?
Overall, Ozzie’s experience could prove invaluable for mentoring one or both of those prospects, but unless he gets his play back to “steady” (not even asking for “very good” like it was last playoff), mentoring is only worth so much…
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 02/19/09 at 04:49 PM ET
Are you related to Baroque..?
Only through incest.
Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 02/19/09 at 05:08 PM ET
Hola to the “19”, stumbled across this at the Sporting News:
Your Turn: Got a question for Steve Yzerman?
Posted: February 19, 2009
Sporting News staff reports
Have a question for Steve Yzerman? Known in Detroit simply as “The Captain,” Yzerman won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings and is the NHL’s sixth all-time leading scorer. Send your question, along with your name and hometown, to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), and we’ll run his answers in a future issue of Sporting News magazine.
Yea, I gotta question or two: How is Holland going to sign both Hossa and Mule? Are you gonna kick Ozzie to the curb, if so how soon?
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 02/19/09 at 05:34 PM ET
Can we make the “how far do the Red Wings advance in the playoffs this year” poll a weekly thing? I think the change in numbers would be entertaining.
*rereads that*
... yeah, I’m a nerd.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/19/09 at 05:43 PM ET
… and the Winged Wheel’s recent tradition of winning the Stanley Cup with a different goalie each time continues?
um, 2 of the 4 were Osgood. unless you meant not the same goalie twice in a row.
Yes, to be exact, I wasn’t counting Osgood since he didn’t go back to back. I think Babbles still starts Osgood in the playoffs and if he pulls a Hasek then he’ll bust out the Conk. Like he played Osgood after Hasek shat the bed.
Posted by Deuce from Brooklyn on 02/19/09 at 05:53 PM ET
Just a reminder of how fun it was watching Tootoo get levelled like the bitch he is.
Thanks to stanawart for the youtube video. Guys, if you have a youtube account, I suggest you subscribe to stanawart’s videos. He gets in a lot of cool Wings videos almost right away after the game is over.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 02/19/09 at 05:58 PM ET
So what are the odds I get to watch the Conk on Saturday, or am I stuck with Ozzy? Which then means we had better score like 5 goals to keep me from getting the gamewrecker title Saturday.
Posted by Iowaoctopi on 02/19/09 at 06:29 PM ET
McCarty and Shanahan… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhJw4MMSmI0&feature=related
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 02/19/09 at 06:33 PM ET
McCarty and Shanahan… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhJw4MMSmI0&feature=related
Shanahan stretching naked? There’s an image I didn’t need in my head. 
I’m sure it’ll show up in Mandingo’s dreams, though. 
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 02/19/09 at 07:02 PM ET
mainly because I won’t be one of them so I’d rather just avoid thinking about it.
The offer of a free ticket for tomorrow didn’t work…. you were banned from your own blog…. jeebsus Chief.
Andrew piped up about an offer to meet in Stockholm next season has definately got me thinking….. anyone else have the stones to make that trip? Wonder how difficult tickets will be given 1/2 the Swedish National team will be taking the ice.
And I am not touching the comments about naked Shanny’s or Hossa in a French Maid outfit serving penis.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/19/09 at 07:10 PM ET
Speaking of Conks, has anyone ever noticed that whenever the mainstream hockey media talks about the Red Wings’ “goalie issues” they start by pointing out the obvious (that Osgood has sucked balls this year) and then invariably say something like “Conklin has been shaky himself” or “Conklin hasn’t been much better”.
I noticed that, too.
He was great for Pittsburgh last year, so it can’t be that.
All I can figure that they are basing it on is his previous playoff experience with Edmonton (which was quite terrible). He had maybe a couple of bad-ish games for Detroit, but the vast majority of his starts have been fine. Maybe it’s just the feeling that a backup is worse than the number one guy, and since Osgood is the number one (supposedly) then Conklin must be worse, and Osgood has been pretty bad, so Conklin has clearly been worse. Warped logic to say the least.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/19/09 at 07:21 PM ET
Andrew piped up about an offer to meet in Stockholm next season has definately got me thinking….. anyone else have the stones to make that trip? Wonder how difficult tickets will be given 1/2 the Swedish National team will be taking the ice.
I am completely certifiable for even considering it ... but the idea is very seductive. Sweden is one country I would love to visit. I doubt the tickets would be available to us foreigners. 
God, would it ever be cool, though.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/19/09 at 07:25 PM ET
I am pretty serious when I said I’m game for the season opener.
I have some very good friends in Sweden, Norway andbut mostly Denmark that I’d be able to visit….. Andrew. unless I lose my job in the next 8 months or so.
You’re on. I’m in (if we can find tix).
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/19/09 at 07:33 PM ET
Are you related to Baroque..?
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 02/19/09 at 04:39 PM ET
No, I’m sure he’s not, but I am convinced of this: Mandingo and Bella are a match made in Gary Bettman’s Hell.
I can’t even begin to count how many of their posts are so very disturbing while exposing the shining light of truth on that little prick.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/19/09 at 07:44 PM ET
unless I lose my job in the next 8 months or so.
You’re on. I’m in (if we can find tix).Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/19/09 at 07:33 PM ET
Jeebus, hold on son. You have a six pack in a fridge at work and can stream the internet to watch the Wings Stanley Cup parade while working - don’t even consider jeopardizing that gig!
I’m intrigued, never been to Scandanavia, used to travel a lot until I left the Army but haven’t been out of the country in more than a decade (not counting Sarnia, which is its own special hell hole. Why Sarnia? It was the closest Canadian town to Flint).
I’d have to figure a way to cajole my ex- into visiting Virginia to watch my girl while I went to Sweden to watch hockey - Oh HellYa she’ll buy that!
What is the arena they will play in, what’s the capacity? Let’s do some research Bitches.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 02/19/09 at 07:54 PM ET
RWBill, per NHL.com, Globe Arena (approx. 14,200 seating).
It’ll sell out but don’t discount the local pubs.
And oh, Swedish blondes. That’s all.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 02/19/09 at 07:59 PM ET
I have some very good friends in Sweden, Norway andbut mostly Denmark that I’d be able to visit.
I need a lot more friends - and in the right countries.
And oh, Swedish blondes. That’s all.
I’d like to visit for the history and the scenery - and the hockey. Men can be so shallow. (Kidding!)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/19/09 at 08:05 PM ET
Well I’ll be in Heidelberg, so I plan on making it up there as long as I can get away from the lab.
To answer the question about the arena:
Globe Arena, Stockholm
16,000 seats give or take
Home to AIK and Djurgårdens IF of the Elite league.
It’s pretty new. I think it was built in the early 90’s. Although, I guess that’s not new anymore, but boy the 90’s seem like only yesterday…
Posted by SharkBaiter from at play in the Labs of our Lord on 02/19/09 at 08:26 PM ET
You have a six pack in a fridge at work and can stream the internet to watch the Wings Stanley Cup parade while working
Your memory is quite good my friend. Seriously, we need to follow through on this.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/19/09 at 08:32 PM ET
Home to AIK and Djurgårdens IF of the Elite league.
A supplier of mine from Sweden is from Djurgårdens. I took him to a game in Atlanta while at a trade show (ATL versus Poultry oddly enough) and he said before the game, the Elite league was as good as the NHL. After the game, he said there was no comparison.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/19/09 at 09:43 PM ET
Will they be able to squeeze another row or two in because of the different rink sizes?
Posted by mrfluffy from Long Beach on 02/19/09 at 09:47 PM ET
HTT, Baroque, NateA, Calquake & myself will represent the 19 in proper fashion
That’s f***ing AWESOME. I’m sorry I can’t be there, but being so far away, I’d like to be a pain and ask if anyone amongst you would be willing to do the same thing for the Wings repeat 1997 Finals against the Flyers on St. Pat’s? Anyone willing to make it to that one? It’s the only game all year my college-kid-ass can make it to (it’s my SPRING BREAK, BITCHES!). Also, I need to know where to go after the game to get a few beers.
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 02/19/09 at 10:40 PM ET
Lots of options for drinks downtown Sully. Cheli’s, Detroit Beer Company, Cobo Joes, Hockeytown Cafe, Old Shillelagh(certain to be beyond packed on St. Pats), Town Pump Tavern just to name a few off the top of my head. Atwater Brewery isn’t to far away either.
I can’t make any promises for that game right now, but I’ll definitely keep it in mind.
In the mean time, one of us will be sure to provide a full report on the festivities tomorrow nite.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 02/19/09 at 11:37 PM ET
Just dropping in quickly to say that if anybody genuinely can’t get tickets for October because you’re in the US, leave a comment on the blog with your email address and me and my credit rating will help you out. Also, MO, nice somber note there, but yeah, it’s a given that if anybody loses their job, myself included, of course they won’t be there. The Globe is a great arena, good facilities, and despite the Wings being there, I don’t expect it’ll sell out that quickly. But yeah—make it work, people. Wear something red.
Oh, and Sully, I second the recommendation for the Town Pump (LOADS of different beers) and Atwater. The Town Pump’s one of my old hangouts.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 02/20/09 at 01:07 AM ET
Good article in the Windsor Star about Mike Babcock. Lots of good comments from Nick, too. He thinks the coach is a good listener and had to learn how to adjust to the players he had on the team as much as the team had to adjust to him. Smart people know enough to adapt and not be rigid and unbending all the time.
http://www.windsorstar.com/sports/Babcock+works+hard+keep+Wings/1307628/story.html
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/20/09 at 07:06 AM ET
Andrew piped up about an offer to meet in Stockholm next season has definately got me thinking….. anyone else have the stones to make that trip?
I’m putting a call in to my buddy who works for the Wings. He came through on the Winter Classic…Stockholm or bust!
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 02/20/09 at 07:35 AM ET
I think Babbles still starts Osgood in the playoffs and if he pulls a Hasek then he’ll bust out the Conk.
Posted by Deuce from Brooklyn on 02/19/09 at 05:53 PM ET
Nope. Osgood has checked-out mentally. Ty’s the guy. He needs to play the majority of games down the stretch.
Message to Uncle Mike: Don’t touch my Conk with your dirty hands.
Posted by O-Joe on 02/20/09 at 07:43 AM ET
Stop giving me crazy ideas of overseas trips, people!
I have to toss a few things in a bag for overnight and run some errands before I hit the road. Fortunately, I got the entire day off work instead of just leaving early, so I will make it in plenty of time (instead of shaving it pretty close for the game). Hooray, vacation time!
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/20/09 at 08:03 AM ET
So… tonight’s liveblog is going to be a bit quiet, huh?
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/20/09 at 08:20 AM ET
Don’t look at me, I ain’t waking up at some ungodly hour just to watch a game on my laptop and hang around here with you people staring at our Conk in awkward silence.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 02/20/09 at 09:02 AM ET
Man, I’d love to go to the game tonight with you guys, but made some promises to the wife because we haven’t “gone out together” in a few weeks. I’m a fool.
Enjoy the game. I’ll be watching it on the DVR. I expect to see some classic signs asking people to “show their V”, “unleash their red”, etc.
Oh, and why not head to Slow’s BBQ in Corktown? Not “close” to the Joe, but well worth it since the food is so damn good. Beer selection, both domestic and import, is very, very good.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 02/20/09 at 09:38 AM ET
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Rockin good. That means we’ve got a solid chance of avoiding the gamewrecker tittle. See you bitches tomorrow evening.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 02/19/09 at 03:34 PM ET