Ty Conklin or Joey MacDonald, who stays up with the team?
The Wings are going to have quite a decision to make after Friday night’s game against Nashville since it’s expected Jimmy Howard makes his return between the pipes Sunday.
On the surface, MacDonald has without a doubt been the better backup option for the Wings. After having a solid performance up with the team last season, MacDonald has been even better this year posting a 1.72 goals against average with a save percentage of .930. He’s appeared in every single game that Howard’s been out with the exception of the first period back on February 4th in which Ty Conklin surrendered three goals in the first period.
However when it comes to the contracts of both goaltenders, Conklin would have to pass through waivers if he were opted to Grand Rapids a risk that Peter J. Wallner of Mlive.com may not be willing to take. In addition to this, Joey MacDonald zero playoff experience and limited time playing at the NHL level could end up playing into Conklin’s favor, this season at least.
But this doesn’t mean MacDonald won’t be rewarded.
Conklin signed a one-year contract prior to the beginning of the season while Joey MacDonald is signed through next year. Because of his recent play there’s a good chance MacDonald has played himself into the backup role to Jimmy Howard next year.
Ref: Mlive.com, Getty (image)
