Ty Conklin Autographed Card

The Edmonton Oilers are unstoppable. I had them finishing fourth in the Pacific Division and fighting for a playoff spot - unrealistically hoping they could pass the San Jose Sharks in third place but ultimately falling just short, possibly by a single point. But you can never count out a team led by Connor McDavid, apparently.

I'm also extremely glad for James Neal finding the back of the net again; he is one of my favourite forwards, so having him on the team I followed the most as a kid, teenager and young adult meant a lot in itself, and his rejuvenated self is just (delicious) icing on the cake.

Mikko Koskinen is also getting accustomed to the NHL ice surface and speed; he and Mike Smith are playing well in the crease, giving their defense a well-deserved confidence boost that they don't have to be perfect to win games.

Which brings me to another Oiler that tended goal some 15 years ago, Ty Conklin, seen here looking much happier when he still had a career .914 save percentage, 2.36 GAA and a winning record (19-14-4):

That's card #37 from Upper Deck's 2005-06 Ice set, which he signed in blue sharpie at a card show in 2017 or 2018.

He was chosen as the 2004 World Championships' Best Goaltender, helping Team USA to a bronze medal.