Babcock: Conklin To Start Winter Classic...?

[Chelios57 31]

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said Conklin would start Thursday because Chris Osgood is still nursing a sore groin. Conklin also started the NHL's previous two outdoor games. He was with Edmonton when it hosted the Montreal Canadiens at Commonwealth Stadium in November 2003, and was in goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins when they beat the Buffalo Sabres in a shootout at Ralph Wilson Stadium last New Year's Day.

I'm still not totally sold that he will be though. On a side note though, I REALLY do not want Conklin to start this game, he's played in pleanty of them. If anyone should be the goalie for an outdoor Wings game, it should be Osgood.

EDIT: Link

Edited December 31, 2008 by Chelios57

[Reds4Life 51]

I hope so. Osgood does not deserve to start any games since he has been much worse than Conks.

[RWK23 0]

Babcock said in his postgame press conference that Conklin will indeed start the Winter Classic. Hard not to start a guy coming off a 38 save shutout against the team he's scheduled to play in the Classic. Not to mention, Ozzie probably isn't 100% yet and these are pretty big games.

[TheCaptain19 49]

wow...

[RedStormRising 7]

Babcock said in his postgame press conference that Conklin will indeed start the Winter Classic. Hard not to start a guy coming off a 38 save shutout against the team he's scheduled to play in the Classic. Not to mention, Ozzie probably isn't 100% yet and these are pretty big games.

Winner winner chicken dinner

[Guest Shoreline]

I had thought this was a foregone conclusion.

[Z and D for the C 712]

Winning, especially against chicago, is 10,000 times more important that who gets to play in the winter classic I think.

[interminded 1]

This is BS.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

This is BS.

How so?

Osgood hasn't played lately due to a nagging groin, playing outdoors where playing conditions can change and get much worse than indoors (I am assuming) can upset a groin more I bet.

It has nothing to do with Osgood's level of play or capabilities, as he is capable. It has more to do with that fact that he has been injured and the team doesn't want to risk injuring him for longer this season, as well as Conklin taking advantage of the opportunity to start more (as unfair as it may be due to Osgood being injured) and playing better lately.

[rick zombo 3,739]

How so?

Osgood hasn't played lately due to a nagging groin, playing outdoors where playing conditions can change and get much worse than indoors (I am assuming) can upset a groin more I bet.

It has nothing to do with Osgood's level of play or capabilities, as he is capable. It has more to do with that fact that he has been injured and the team doesn't want to risk injuring him for longer this season, as well as Conklin taking advantage of the opportunity to start more (as unfair as it may be due to Osgood being injured) and playing better lately.

Yes. The Osgood slappies need to take a pill.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Yes. The Osgood slappies need to take a pill.

Kinda, but from that perspective if I was a big fan of an athlete and they had the chance to play in such a big game like the one coming up tomorrow, I'd like to see them play as well.

Does the fan in me want to see Osgood play? Sure.

But overall perspective, groins are goofy in terms of when they heal up, you aren't playing this next game in an arena in a fairly controlled climate, conditions could get worse which could screw a groin up even more, and we'll need Osgood the rest of this season.

If there is even any suggestion of the groin being nagging for a game to be played outdoors, not worth the risk to me injuring it even further.

Again, it has nothing to do with Osgood's capabilities on the ice, or even little/nothing to do with Conklin having "experience" playing outdoors.

[edicius 3,269]

I'll admit, I'm bummed. Conks has gotten to do this a couple times before. But Ozzie's injured and we all know how unpredictable groin injuries are. It sucks...but it is what it is. Besides, Ozzie's still got something Conks doesn't - three Stanley Cup rings.

At least we should get to see Conks playing with those sweet new pads. And regardless, it's going to be a great game to watch, no matter who's in goal.

[spydrwebb 0]

Given all the circumstances, Conklin is the right choice. Even Osgood's biggest fans should be man/woman enough to admit this, if they're honest. Babcock should be commended for his decision, especially in the face of such pressure from people who want this to be a nostalgic experience. Yes... it's outdoors, and yes, it is unlikely to happen again with this team anytime in the near future. BUT, this game is worth two important points at this critical time of the season. This is where a different statement needs to be made... one of complete domination over a highly ranked opponent.

edit: spelling

Edited December 31, 2008 by spydrwebb

[ltgator333 3]

I also thought this was a given that Conklin was going to play, especially after throwing a shutout last night- any coach in the league would be silly not to go with the goalie who just threw a shutout.

Only player(s) I think that deserve to play in that game are the 2 guys on D that Chicago is home to them.

[russianswede919293 95]

Conks has been great against Chicago this season, plus a sore groin means don't play outdoors...

But Conk's play against the hawks means that I want him in.

[Dominator2005 558]

This is BS.

Why? Conklin is the right choice. Right now he's better than Osgood and that's it - end of story.

[puckloo39 5,686]

Conklin has the Chitown Kids' numbers. After last night in particular, he is in their heads. Ty deserves to be in net for the outdoor game, and I bet he will be magnificent. I feel bad for Huet (not really!) or Khabi, if he manages to diva his way into the Hawks' net.

All the Wings have to do is play close to the level they did last night, and we will have a real show on January 1. Start the year out right.

[sether 5]

I agree with Conklin starting as much as I would have loved to see Ozzie in there I wouldn't want to chance it with the groin in the outdoor conditions.

[lfd250 1]

I have to admit I like the coach's plan. If you got to listen to the comments last night, it has to do with the ice. He's worried about the quality and Ozzie inj himself worse. That warm front really screwed up the ice.

[CrossoverThrash 0]

Hmmmm, how could you be that much of an ozzy lover that you want him to play injured in the cold? thats like loving torture.

[CrossoverThrash 0]

NHl net just confirmed Conklin too, Conklin is 6-0 career against the hawks

[interminded 1]

Hmmmm, how could you be that much of an ozzy lover that you want him to play injured in the cold? thats like loving torture.

Being backup in the cold is even worse.

[DyingAlive 27]

My desire for Conklin to start the Winter Classic has come to fruition!

http://www.letsgowings.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry1491705

At the moment I think it's best. I agree that an outdoor game with the possibility of freezing temperatures, is not the best time to test a sore groin for a goaltender.

[Cern 0]

On a side note though, I REALLY do not want Conklin to start this game, he's played in pleanty of them.

If anything that's the main reason why he SHOULD be playing, he has more NHL experience playing outdoors than anyone else.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Being backup in the cold is even worse.

Probably true, but still given Osgood's recent groin injury/no playing time and Conklin playing better lately, why should Osgood get the start over Conklin?

If you want to see Osgood play because you're a big fan, I perfectly understand. I'd like to see him play too but all logical and sensible signs say to start Conklin right now.