Hi, Ty
It’s worth noting Ty Conklin’s first start, and first win, since coming to Buffalo at last month’s trade deadline – even if the Sabres desperately hope he doesn’t have to do it too often.
It didn’t come easy. Conklin made 42 saves, keeping the game close until Chris Drury and Drew Stafford scored in the late going to seal a 5-3 road win over the Florida Panthers.
Conklin was acquired from Columbus after Buffalo traded away Martin Biron, giving the Sabres a far less-expensive backup capable of giving Ryan Miller the occasional break, while providing no threat to the starter’s job security or psyche.
Conklin filled that role well on Thursday, even as Buffalo was outskated for much of the night and outshot 45-20. None of Florida’s three goals were softies.
The win came at a particularly vital time, snapping a four-game losing streak, Buffalo’s longest of the year, and keeping the Sabres two points ahead of New Jersey for first place in the Eastern Conference, seven up on Ottawa in the Northeast Division.
Most importantly, particularly given the notoriety Conklin received in Edmonton for the flub that cost the Oilers Game 1 of last year’s Stanley Cup Finals, he impressed his new teammates.
According to the Associated Press, Brian Campbell told reporters:
He played a great game for us. He faced a lot of tough shots from the point that were deflections. For not playing for a couple of weeks, it was an effort we really needed from him.
A couple of Conklin’s saves and all Buffalo’s goals, including two by Stafford, his seventh and eighth of the season, can be seen here by clicking the 300K or 700K link.
Also notable while watching the highlights is the eerie silence at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., even when the game is tied in the third period. Not to suggest that hockey in South Florida is an unnatural act, or anything.
Buffalo tries to make it two in a row tonight before escaping the state with a 7:30 start against Tampa Bay tonight.
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stephenjames716
it was great to see conklin step it up in net last night. I think this will indirectly make miller play better and thus letting us go deep into the playoffs. it was also nice to see all the buffalo fans in florida last night. I heard more "lets go buffalo" chants than "lets go panthers"
good job b-lo fans!
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nicoleshoe
I'll always love marty biron, but ty, well, he certainly proved himself!
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