Ty Conklin Ty Conklin ( born March 30 , 1976 , Anchorage , Alaska ) is a goaltender with the National Hockey League ' s Pittsburgh Penguins . He went undrafted , despite repeated honours in the United States Hockey League as a member of the Green Bay Gamblers and the NCAA , while playing for the University of New Hampshire . He was signed by the Oilers in the summer of 2001 to challenge for the backup role . He spent the bulk of his time with the Hamilton Bulldogs , the then - shared American Hockey League affiliate for the Oilers and Montreal Canadiens . In the 2003 / 04 season , he spent the entire year in the NHL as first the back - up to Tommy Salo , and then the joint starter with Jussi Markkanen following Salo ' s trade to the Colorado Avalanche . During the NHL lockout he played in the German Elite League . He has also played net for the United States twice at the World Championship s . In the 2004 World Championship , he was selected as best goaltender . Following the lockout , Conklin entered the new season as Edmonton ' s probable starting goaltender , backed up by Jussi Markkanen . Given the prevalent idea that either goaltender could assume the starting job , local media began using the nickname " Conkkanen " ( which likely originated on internet message boards ) to describe Edmonton ' s starting goaltender . However , during the 2005 - 06 season , both goaltenders proved to be ineffective , forcing the Oilers ' General Manager Kevin Lowe to acquire Dwayne Roloson from the Minnesota Wild . Conklin has participated in both of the NHL ' s regular - season outdoor games . He was the goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers when they lost 4 - 3 to the Montreal Canadiens in the Heritage Classic at Edmonton ' s Commonwealth Stadium on November 22 , 2003 . He was also the goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins in their 2 - 1 Shootout win against the Buffalo Sabres in the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic at Buffalo ' s Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 1st , 2008 . 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs . In the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs , Conklin was called in to play in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals in relief of an injured Dwayne Roloson . Late in the third period , he ( and former Oiler Jason Smith ) committed a blunder that gave the Hurricanes an easy empty - netted goal that cost the Oilers the game . Conklin did not return to the ice again as an Oiler as his team option for the 2006 - 07 NHL season was subsequently declined . Post - Edmonton career . Conklin was subsequently signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets . He was expected to compete for the Blue Jackets ' backup goaltending position , however coach Gerard Gallant opted to go with internationally - experienced Fredrik Norrena . Conklin was subsequently waived and sent to the American Hockey League . An injury to Blue Jackets ' starter Pascal Leclaire prompted the team to recall Conklin to the NHL on December 11 , 2006 . On February 27 , 2007 , Conklin was acquired by the Buffalo Sabres for a 5th round draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft . Conklin in his first start with the Sabres made 42 saves in a win over the Panthers . On July 18 , 2007 Conklin was signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins to a $ 500 , 000 , one - year contract . He is currently 7 - 0 with the Penguins in the 07 - 08 season .