To put it mildly, Ty Conklin has struggled in his efforts to back up All-Star Jimmy Howard between the pipes for the Wings. Coming into Dallas on Tuesday night he had won 2 of his previous 7 starts this season; posting a save percentage of under .900 (Jimmy Howard is around .930, for comparison).
Ty stood strong Tuesday night, stopping 25 of 27 shots in route to a 3-2 shootout victory for Detroit. The two points put the Wings back atop the Western Conference, at least for tonight.
“It was good for (Conklin) because he hasn’t done a ton of winning this year, so good for him to get a win,” Red Wings Coach Mike Babcock said.
The shootout victory was the first of Conklin’s career. He got a bit of help from the post from Dallas goal-scorer Loui Eriksson, stood strong against Michael Ryder, and forced Trevor Daley wide to seal the victory.
Jiri Hudler put the dangle on Stars’ goalie Richard Bachman for the lone shootout goal and eventual game winner.
Detroit improved to 8-3 in the second game of back to backs this season, a solid accomplishment given the average age of this roster. The Wings had to grind this one out, getting a first period goal from Tomas Holmstrom after great work behind the net from Jan Mursak and Justin Abdelkader. Detroit needed a bit of luck to tie the game at two in the second period as a cross ice pass from Jiri Hudler bounced off the skate of Alex Goligoski and into the net.
Sometimes it takes a bit of luck on the road, and thats exactly what Detroit got on Tuesday night. Joe Louis Arena has been a fortress for the Wings throughout the season, and any points they can get on the road are crucial.
The Wings are off Wednesday night before they head to Glendale to take on the Phoenix Coyotes on Thursday night. As a current Arizona resident, it is one of the few games per year I am able to attend.
Can’t wait.
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