Ty Conklin & Outdoor Games

When Chicago and Detroit meet at Wrigley Field on January 1, 2009 it will be the third outdoor game in NHL history to actually count towards the final standings. It may also be the third time that Ty Conklin starts an outdoor NHL game.

Edmonton, November 22, 2003 - Heritage Classic

Conklin started this game which the Oilers lost 4-3 to the Montreal Canadiens. Tommy Salo, the Oilers starting goalie that year was injured during this time, so Conklin got the call.


Fast forward 4 years to January 1, 2008. Winter Classic. Marc Andre Fleury of the Penguins is injured earlier in the season, and who happens to be the backup? Ty Conklin. Conklin plays his second outdoor game, winning 2-1 in a shootout.

When January 1, 2009 rolls around, will Conklin still be a Red Wing? Probably. I just hope Chris Osgood doesn't think about past history. If he finds himself on the shelf come December he should know who to blame.