Conklin (29) and Osgood (30) (Getty Images)
On Tuesday night Ty Conklin, in his role as the backup goalie, appeared in his 20th game this season, which matches the total appeareances of the starter Chris Osgood
Conklin has started eight of the last 10 games, and while some of those starts were because Osgood was recovering from a groin injury, he has earned many of the starts with his play. With the 3 - 0 victory over Columbus he is 6-2 with three shutouts during that 10 game stretch. He has posted back-to-back shutouts at Joe Louis Arena and has not allowed a goal at home in 138:46 minutes.
"I think things have improved drastically," said coach Mike Babcock of the recent play of both goaltenders. "They had some opportunities tonight and Conks (Conklin) made good saves and Minnesota had some chances the other night and Ozzie (Osgood) made good saves. And when your goaltending plays better you give up fewer goals. Our team has improved team play wise, but they really have and when you put the two of them together you give up fewer goals."
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the Wings goalies so far this season
| #29 Ty Conklin | Category | #30 Chris Osgood |
| 20 | Games | 20 |
| 1183 | Minutes | 1192 |
| 14 | Wins | 13 |
| 5 | Losses | 2 |
| 1 | OT/SO Losses | 4 |
| 4 | Shutouts | 0 |
| 47 | Goals Against | 62 |
| 2.38 | Goals Against Avg | 3.12 |
| 524 | Saves | 455 |
| 0.918 | Save % | 0.880 |
Comments
It has to be Conklin. Why? When in doubt the winner is the UNH alum. Go Wildcats!
I'm with Rob. Just because.
I have to go with Ty Conklin but I also wouldn't be disappointed if it were Ozzie.
I think coach Babcock is doing a good job so far as the goalies are concerned . I believe we have a pretty good tandum . I suspect Ozzie will start more games the 2nd half , but boy it's nice to have boyh Ozzie and Conklin .
believe in the dark horse. conklin deserves a chance to shine like a star.
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