Conklin Backstops Pens To "W" With 50 Saves

Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins

Feb 26, 10:12 PM | Hype this story!
1 2 3 Tot.
2 0 2 4
 
Tot. 1 2 3
2 0 1 1
 
Summary
The Pittsburgh Penguins were shorthanded in more ways than one tonight, yet they found a way to defeat the New York Islanders on the road.

First, there’s the fact that the Penguins lost two roster players in trades this afternoon and none of the newly-acquired players dressed.

Then add in that Nathan Smith and Conner James, recalled from the AHL around 4:00 p.m., didn’t arrive at the arena until minutes before the first intermission.

And let’s not forget the Rob Scuderi left early in the game after his finger "exploded," according to FSN Pittsburgh color commentator Bob Errey.

Now combine all of that with the 10 penalties the Penguins took, and it’s easy to see that the bench was just a bit short.

It didn’t matter, though, to this group of warriors.

With the excitement of the big trade deadline acquisitions — most notably All Star forward Marian Hossa — the Penguins buried four goals on 21 shots, while Ty Conklin stuffed 50 of the unbelievable 52 shots he faced.

"We want to do better Thursday," defenseman Ryan Whitney said after the game, "but a win’s a win."

That’s for sure.

It wasn’t the prettiest of games — few have been since the Penguins have had multiple roster spots occupied by minor league talent such as Smith, James and Chirs Minard.

But it was James, who found out about his recall through a lout speaker at a grocery store in eastern Pennsylvania, who finalized the game with his third period power play tally.  The goal was a beauty, and the first of his career.

The Penguins tonight will travel to Boston to prepare for Thursday’s game against the Bruins, who remained quiet through the trade deadline.

Marc-Andre Fleury, who dressed for the Penguins for the first time in more than two months, could get the start in Boston, while newly acquired forwards Hossa and Pascal Dupuis and defenseman Hal Gill likely will make their debuts.
 
Three Stars
# Player Team Pos. Stats
1 Conklin Pit G 50 saves, .961 Sv%
2 Malkin Pit C 1 goal, 1 assist, +1
3 James Pit W 1 goal (GWG)
 
Stat Line
  Shots Faceoffs Power Plays
  1 2 3 OT Total Won Lost Converted Total
Pittsburgh 6 4 11 X 21 25 40 2 4
Florida 23 11 18 X 52 40 25 1 10
 
Scoring Summary
Per. Time Team Goal Assist Assist
1 10:50
17:52		 Pit
Pit		 Malkin, 36
Taffe, 4 (PP)		 Sykora
Kennedy		 Taffe
Letang
2 10:26 NYI Nielsen, 1 Tambellini Meyer
3 12:55
16:58
18:43		 Pit
Pit
NYI		 Staal, 9
James, 1 (PP)
Fedotenko, 15 (PP)		 Malkin
Whitney
Vasicek		 Sykora

Hunter
 
Penalty Summary
Per. Time Team Player Penalty
1 1:36
2:14
2:28
13:15
13:41
16:06
17:43		 Pit
NYI
Pit
Pit
Pit
NYI
NYI		 Staal
Fedotenko
Ruutu
Gonchar
Whitney
Park
Gervias		 Holding – 2:00
Hooking – 2:00
Hooking – 2:00
Holding – 2:00
Puck Over Glass – 2:00
Holding The Stick – 2:00
Hooking – 2:00
2 0:59
5:26
13:20
18:34		 Pit
Pit
Pit
Pit		 Staal
Laraque
Laraque
Letang		 High Sticking – 2:00
Hooking – 2:00
High Sticking – 2:00
Slashing – 2:00
3 5:16
15:24
17:03
17:03
17:03
18:32		 NYI
NYI
NYI
Pit
NYI
Pit		 Martinek
Fedotenko
Comrie
Kennedy
Comrie
Malkin		 Holding – 2:00
Tripping – 2:00
Fighting – 5:00
Fighting – 5:00
Game Misconduct – 10:00
Tripping – 2:00

Comments

  1. Tim

    Feb 26, 11:08 PM

    Ok that James story is hilarious. Especially since he topped it off with a goal. What a crazy win. I can’t wait to go to the game in Boston and see the new team. I will miss Crusher and Army, but I like this deal in the end. Thank god this city isn’t a hockey town and you can get tickets last minute. GO PENS!

  2. Jesse Marshall

    Feb 27, 12:08 AM

    Tim, we expect a full report from Boston!

  3. DaBich

    Feb 27, 05:25 AM

    Yeah Tim, don’t let us down!!

    A grocery store?? I bet James ran out of the store LOL!

    “exploded” finger…no wonder I can’t stand Errey LOL!

    Loved TK jumping Comrie!

  4. DaBich

    Feb 27, 05:46 AM

    Oh, one more thing…two more points for Malkie!! Yes!

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