Ty Conklin: at a Critical Junction in His Career

[gcom007 1,465]

I'm writing this thread as a mere observation. I'm not trying to make judgment calls or say that either of our goalies suck or should start in the playoffs. This is an observation about Ty Conklin's career in a more longrun, historical context. I see tonight's game and his next 3 as a sort of critical junction in his career that in many ways might determine if he will continue to be viewed as a career backup or will be viewed as a viable starting goalie.

And I'm NOT making predictions. I don't know and I'm going to watch and find out. Again, I'm just making an observation more about his career and this interesting point in it than anything.

Here's how it breaks down in the moment...

First off, I don't think this game hurts Osgood at all. The game was a complete train wreck before he stepped on the ice. He had a great game last night and he's been down this road before. He knows the game's not on him nor are most of those goals really, and given the nature of the game, the number doesn't even really matter.

When you come in as relief when it's already snowballing and more often than not, you're just going to slow the accumulation down with a lot of game left and the team collectively at fault for letting the snowball develop in the first place. It's not like this was just a goalie flaking out behind a team playing solid. Everyone on the ice, Conklin and skaters, were at fault. The TEAM fell apart.

But here's what will be interesting to watch...

Conklin didn't get any help whatsoever, but he was at the helm when the snowball started and made some world class flubs himself while we were still in it to speed things up. He played bad. No worse than the rest of the team, but he's gotta swallow a lot of blame for this mess of a game.

You've gotta wonder though, how will he handle it?

It's very obvious that the team is still gunning for Osgood to get things going again and lead the way in the playoffs. They gave him the break to refocus and he came back and had the great game against LA. As said, he's not going to sweat tonight. This one was Conklin's loss. Osgood has proven that he can shake it off anyways, but Conklin's never been the go-to guy at this level. Sure, he had a rather epically bad 5 minute playoff experience, but truly, that's not really substantial in terms of managing the ups and downs over the course of a career as a starter. That long-term experience is what goes a long way in giving guys confidence.

Furthermore, despite the fact that he's outplayed Osgood all year and everyone saying Osgood needs to win it back, everyone who really knows KNOWS that it's really still Conklin up against a wall. Osgood's going to have to play horrible and Conklin's going to have to play GREAT for Babcock to go with him to start the playoffs. People say the pressure's on Osgood and to be certain, it is, but I really think there's a lot more so on Conklin if you're him and you're not just playing for a chance to start in the playoffs, but in many ways for your identity as an NHL goalie.

So how will he respond?

Or is he already responding to the pressure?

You know, it's fun to cheer for the unheralded backup in December, but March is upon us and the also unproven backup just had an utterly terrible game after the proven starter had a strong comeback game. You know you'll be watchig the Colorado game more closely now no matter what Osgood does in St. Louis.

So does Conklin.

And this is happening at a crucial point in the process going by Babcock's schedule of figuring out the starter in the next 8 games. And that's 8 games including last night and tonight. So there's six games left in the process and Osgood's got the next start in St. Louis and you know the team's going to be gunning for it after tonight's embarrassment. Osgood knows he's not playing for his reputation. He's got a couple Cup rings that are mighty heavy in the context of history.

Conklin, on the other hand, still has everything to prove. And he's got to prove a lot in the next 3 games just to prove that he deserves a chance to try and prove himself when it really counts.

So tell me that Conklin's not the guy up against the wall now.

It'll be an interesting couple of weeks to watch...

[Pavrik Zettersyuk 4]

It would be nice to see them BOTH start playing well. Then we could keep them both 'cause they're the s*** to me, no matter how bad of a game they have.

[Reilly 24]

He makes what? 700K a year? Give the guy a break.

[eva unit zero 271]

It doesn't matter if he can't outplay Osgood because he's gone as a UFA in the summer anyway.

[gcom007 1,465]

He makes what? 700K a year? Give the guy a break.

I don't make anything writing posts and I wasn't even ragging on him. I like the guy and honestly would like to see him successful. How about you give me a break.

[Carman 387]

I've been following Conklin for a long time, (NCAA, Green Bay Gamblers, etc.) One thing that stood out with him is his resilience and consistency. He might have everything to prove, but on the other hand he has nothing to lose. He has played out of his mind this year, and is finally coming into his own. He is always relaxed and almost never loses focus. If I was a betting man, I'd put my money on him being a success somewhere in the NHL.

Edited March 1, 2009 by Carman

[Outsider 42]

It doesn't matter if he can't outplay Osgood because he's gone as a UFA in the summer anyway.

Perhaps, eva. Perhaps not.

I'm probably reading waaaaay to much into it, but is Jimmy Howard injured?

Or is there some legit reason why he didn't dress for the Griffins game against the LE Monsters tonight?

[thedisappearer 291]

We're gonna start whoever is playing better in a broader sense than "who just lost?" Babcock will start Conklin if it is the best thing for us.

[gcom007 1,465]

We're gonna start whoever is playing better in a broader sense than "who just lost?" Babcock will start Conklin if it is the best thing for us.

Yeah, umm, that's irrelevant to this thread.

[thedisappearer 291]

Yeah, umm, that's irrelevant to this thread.

And this thread is irrelevant to the season. Your point, kind sir?

[SDavis35 140]

I've been following Conklin for a long time, (NCAA, Green Bay Gamblers, etc.) One thing that stood out with him is his resilience and consistency. He might have everything to prove, but on the other hand he has nothing to lose. He has played out of his mind this year, and is finally coming into his own. He is always relaxed and almost never loses focus. If I was a betting man, I'd put my money on him being a success somewhere in the NHL.

I'm with you here. He's always been a solid back-up. Looking at what I've seen him go through, in Pittsburgh and Edmonton, when he needs to step it up, he's been able to. I seem to recall him having to take over the playoff rush with Edmonton until Roloson showed up. (Salo was injured i think?) Last year, he had to do similar with Fleury out of the lineup, so i see him as playoff capable, and if he ever finds a team he can stick with, he will be a great goaltender. He does what any goalie should do: keeps the team in it. I'm comfortable with whoever is put in net, because last year Babs proved he'll go with whoever is finding a way to win.

[Jedi 1,865]

And this thread is irrelevant to the season. Your point, kind sir?

His point is that this thread is NOT a "which goalie should/will start". He even said it in the title of the thread.

So how bout we stick to the topic at hand?

[gcom007 1,465]

I've been following Conklin for a long time, (NCAA, Green Bay Gamblers, etc.) One thing that stood out with him is his resilience and consistency. He might have everything to prove, but on the other hand he has nothing to lose. He has played out of his mind this year, and is finally coming into his own. He is always relaxed and almost never loses focus. If I was a betting man, I'd put my money on him being a success somewhere in the NHL.

I've read such things. That's what makes it interesting to me. I'm not going to lie, I'm not as gung-ho about starting him or signing him to an extension now like many here are. I liken the situation to Manny Legace often. I think there are lessons we can learn from that situation which are relevant in this situation, but at the same time, I think Conklin is a bit more of a wildcard in terms of what the end result might be were he to start this year or go on to be a starter for another team next year. I knew the whole time to the core of my being that Manny didn't have it in him to carry a team and he didn't. I think Conklin might have more of a shot than Manny. He just seems stronger mentally and more focused in general.

I hope no matter what that he continues to play solid in the games he gets. This period is a test for him even if he doesn't end up starting come playoff time, a strong outing through the end of the regular season will certainly help his chances of getting a raise and a starting role elsewhere. But I'd love to have him back if it's possible. At the very least, he seems like a really solid and capable backup and a good character guy in the room. The one difference that's profound between he and Manny is that should Conklin start the playoffs and blow it big time, I feel like there's still a lot of positives and upside that he can take out of this season and personally, I'd still love him back with the team next year in a backup role even if he blows a starting chance. Again, he just seems like a good guy to have around.

[gcom007 1,465]

His point is that this thread is NOT a "which goalie should/will start". He even said it in the title of the thread.

So how bout we stick to the topic at hand?

Yes.

[Carman 387]

I agree I'm interested to see how he recovers from this. Although I doubt this is as big of a deal as

So, I'm going to guess he can recover from the blunder, he should be able to cope with a one night *** whooping

[thedisappearer 291]

His point is that this thread is NOT a "which goalie should/will start". He even said it in the title of the thread.

So how bout we stick to the topic at hand?

Sorry all. I've been drinking tonight. You all know why. My bad.

[miller76 463]

Sometimes I think we forget that these players are professional. They are able to get over their mistakes quicker and get back to being focused at their current assignment. He will be fine. He has been one of the better goalies in the league this season.

If the team is second best in the West, with the type of inconsistencies in goaltending, defense, and PK, then thats pretty damn good. Just shows the rest of the conference isn't any better!

[gcom007 1,465]

I agree I'm interested to see how he recovers from this. Although I doubt this is as big of a deal as

So, I'm going to guess he can recover from the blunder, he should be able to cope with a one night *** whooping

No matter what, I certainly hope so. I don't think all is lost for him at all after tonight, but I think there's a bit more pressure involved in this situation in terms of immediacy. In that case he had a summer and a new environment to help clear his head. Now he's getting playing time like a starter and being considered for a legit starting role and he's gotta come up with a big start in a matter of days. All knowing that he and Osgood have 3 games each most likely to settle things in Babcock's mind. For anyone in Conklin's position, that's a lot of pressure to deal with. If he can show poise throughout this, it'll do a lot for his career no matter where he ends up.

[Outsider 42]

I'm with you here. He's always been a solid back-up. Looking at what I've seen him go through, in Pittsburgh and Edmonton, when he needs to step it up, he's been able to. I seem to recall him having to take over the playoff rush with Edmonton until Roloson showed up. (Salo was injured i think?) Last year, he had to do similar with Fleury out of the lineup, so i see him as playoff capable, and if he ever finds a team he can stick with, he will be a great goaltender. He does what any goalie should do: keeps the team in it. I'm comfortable with whoever is put in net, because last year Babs proved he'll go with whoever is finding a way to win.

I'm gonna get slammed for this, but hey....

SDavis....until last year with the Pens, Conklin has NEVER been considered an NHL quality back up at all, let alone a "solid" back up. He's struggled to crack an NHL roster his entire career, and he's spent as much time in the AHL during that 7 year span as he has in the NHL.

You also "misrecall" his role in Edmonton's "playoff rush". The reality of the situation is that Conklin was so farkin' bad in Edmonton, the Oilers had no choice but to go out and get Roloson.

He's also had numerous opportunities to "find a team he can stick with". He just hasn't been able to STICK with any of them. Edmonton, Buffalo, Columbus, and Pittsburgh all let him go without so much as a second thought, (and that's being charitable, in some cases).

To state anything to the contrary is revisionist history, in the extreme.

Conklin has been resillient in that he's been waived and then demoted by every Team he's ever signed with, (after failing to secure a position as the back up), and yet he keeps trying.

He's a fighter, you have to give him that.

[norrisnick 1]

Perhaps, eva. Perhaps not.

I'm probably reading waaaaay to much into it, but is Jimmy Howard injured?

Or is there some legit reason why he didn't dress for the Griffins game against the LE Monsters tonight?

I'm pretty sure Jimmy and Larsson have been alternating starts all season long.

[Outsider 42]

I'm pretty sure Jimmy and Larsson have been alternating starts all season long.

True enough, nn. I'm aware of that.

I was curious to know why Howard didn't even dress as the back up tonight.

Is he, in fact, injured?

[norrisnick 1]

Upon further review it would seem as he was run in his last game.

[Outsider 42]

Upon further review it would seem as he was run in his last game.

Thank you, nn. Injury, then?

[norrisnick 1]

Thank you, nn. Injury, then?

One would assume, though I haven't read anything official about it.

[SDavis35 140]

I'm gonna get slammed for this, but hey....

SDavis....until last year with the Pens, Conklin has NEVER been considered an NHL quality back up at all, let alone a "solid" back up. He's struggled to crack an NHL roster his entire career, and he's spent as much time in the AHL during that 7 year span as he has in the NHL.

You also "misrecall" his role in Edmonton's "playoff rush". The reality of the situation is that Conklin was so farkin' bad in Edmonton, the Oilers had no choice but to go out and get Roloson.

He's also had numerous opportunities to "find a team he can stick with". He just hasn't been able to STICK with any of them. Edmonton, Buffalo, Columbus, and Pittsburgh all let him go without so much as a second thought, (and that's being charitable, in some cases).

To state anything to the contrary is revisionist history, in the extreme.

Conklin has been resillient in that he's been waived and then demoted by every Team he's ever signed with, (after failing to secure a position as the back up), and yet he keeps trying.

He's a fighter, you have to give him that.

Did a stat check, and you're right, his stats aren't as good as I thought in that year. Guess living in Canada and the media hyping up everything skewed that memory. He did have a good year in 2003-04 that is of note. And last year he was as solid as some starters out there.

All in all, what you said is right, he's a definite fighter and is going to keep trying.

(Also, I thought he was 28 not 32 )

Edited March 1, 2009 by SDavis35