[Game Recap] Wings shutout Oilers 4-0

by Christy on Nov 18, 2008 5:27 PM CST in Game Recaps

On Monday evening at Joe Louis Arena, the Detroit Red Wings shutout the Edmonton Oilers 4-0. It marked Detroit's first shutout of the season and Ty Conklin's first shutout with the Wings. The Wings are now 5-1-0 with Conklin in net, who made 21 saves in his fifth career shutout.

"He's been good for us, but we didn't bring a kid in here," coach Mike Babcock said. "We brought a man in here. He had a good run in Pittsburgh last year. He's had ups and downs (in his career), but that's the good thing here. When he's not playing, he's not worrying about it. He's getting ready for his next start."

Last night's game was much more reminiscent of the Red Wings from last year, which was a great sign for Wings fans. We saw scoring from four different players, kept the Oilers to 21 shots, killed all five penalties, and went 1-5 on the power play.

WIM favorite Niklas Kronwall earned the first star of the night honor by scoring Detroit's first goal of the night while on the power play and by assisting on Johan Franzen's goal in the third period. Franzen now has a goal in five straight games.

Detroit is back on another road trip as they swing through western Canada with a second straight game against Edmonton. Seven of Detroit's last nine games have been on the road.

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So what are the chances Conklin becomes the starter over the next few months? He’s clearly outplayed Osgood overall and is getting the wins.

Or is he already starting to take over?

by James Mirtle on Nov 18, 2008 8:41 PM CST reply actions

Ozzie's got it

What Conklin has done in his six games has shown that he can be a reliable back-up. If they need to replace Ozzie then Conklin is it, this we know. But Osgood IS the starter, and you don’t lose that position simply because someone is doing a comparable job to you. Sure most of his stats may be better than Osgood’s right now, but we win with Osgood (7-1-3) just as well as with Conklin (5-1).

by Boettcher on Nov 19, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions

I think Ozzie still has it.

I think Ozzie will be considered the starter for at least the first half of the season. Last year, Ozzie seemed to perform better than Hasek even before the playoffs. However, it took an extreme (losses in the playoffs) before the Wings put Osgood in as a starter.

While I don’t think Osgood’s position is as secure as Hasek was last year, I don’t think Conklin will be named the No. 1 goalie for a little bit.

He is putting up solid numbers and winning so I’m happy we have a solid backup goaltender in net for us.

by Christy on Nov 18, 2008 9:23 PM CST reply actions