For years, Chris Osgood hasn't gotten the respect that he deserves. Despite backstopping the Red Wings to three Stanley Cups -- twice as the starter -- there have always been questions about Osgood's abilities. It's almost unprecedented for a goaltender to win as much as Osgood as and not be given the respect he deserves.Granted, Osgood has always played behind great defenders in Detroit be it the likes of Nicklas Lidstrom, Larry Murphy or Chris Chelios. Since the Red Wings reached the Finals in 1995, they have perennially been one of the most star studded teams in the NHL. And without a doubt, Osgood is one of those stars.
This season, the doubters of Osgood have been quieter. During the Wings' run to the Cup last season, the murmurs from the peanut gallery were quieted a bit both by the ring it culminated with and Osgood's numbers. In 19 playoff games, he recorded a minuscule 1.55 GAA and a .930 save percentage.
And it's not the first time he's put up those kinds of numbers. In 1995-96, he finished as a runner-up in the Vezina race with 39 wins, 2.17 GAA and .911 save percentage. Osgood has never won the Vezina and was beat out that season by Jim Carey. And that's the thing about end-of-season awards, they're only for one season. There's no award that acknowledges a player's body of work during their career. For that, you have to retire and twiddle your thumbs until the Hall of Fame comes knocking.
Thirteen years later, Jim Carey is a distant memory in the minds of fans while on Friday night Osgood will be playing for what would be his fourth Stanley Cup ring. And for Osgood, the numbers look eerily familiar. In 22 postseason games this spring, his GAA sits exactly at 2.00 and his save percentage is almost identical to last spring -- .927 with a .935 mark during these Finals.
And as the accolades and impressive statistics continue to pile up around Osgood and his teammates, the murmurs about how he is carried by his defensemen and the All-Stars he shares the ice with become quieter and quieter. Despite his team's loss in Game 6 Tuesday night, Osgood was clearly the best player on the ice during a 30-save performance. If not for him, the margin of victory would have been a lot greater than one goal.
No matter what happens on Friday night, Osgood shouldn't have to prove himself to anyone -- much like the logo on his jersey and organization that he plays for, which have become synonymous with winning.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-10-2009 @ 2:02PM
kfogs1957 said...
In my opinion, Osgood is the only reason this series is still going, he has been absolutely incredible. Fleury has had had his moments, but I believe the Pens have gotten from him what they expected, Osgood in my opinion has been "THE" difference and been so much better than expected. I liked him before, but I'd be lying if I saw him playing this well. Take Osgood out of the equation, and I think this one is over, and that is no dis-respect to the reigning Stanley Cup champs. The Wings are home, and Osgood is beyond hot. Tough road for the Pens, but as I heard yesterday, if you told Pittsburgh they could make a decision in October or February to play a game 7 in Detroit for the Cup, they and all the fans would jump on that opportunity. Greatest playoffs in my moemory this year, and I don't just mean the finals.How do you beat this? I'm a Pens fan, but best of luck, If we don't win it, no shame losing to a great Red Wing team. This is awsome!
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6-10-2009 @ 11:35PM
rwing said...
Ozzie has done everything but stand on his head in this "Stanley Cup Finals". But like Roger Dangerfied...he doesn't get any respect. Now it's time for the Red Wings "D" to STEP-UP, and their "scorers" to SCORE. Need I say any more??? THEN....even though Zetterberg and others are probably equally worthy, it is Ozzie who SHOULD HOIST the Conn-Smythe Trophy as the MVP.
It's been a GREAT FINALS, and I take nothing away from the Pens great effort too...but next year Pens. This is the Wings year for one more anyway.
And THANK YOU Kevin Schultz for this article on Osgood....he might retire after this year, who knows....but SOMEONE finally gave him his due, and NOW is the time for the rest of the team to play a GREAT GAME 7 in front of him!!!!!
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6-10-2009 @ 11:59PM
rwing said...
And by that Wings, I mean a FULL 60 MINUTES....and NOT just the last 10 minutes of the 3rd period. The fans, Ozzie and a few others I can think of, deserve NO LESS.
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6-11-2009 @ 3:54AM
rwing said...
Hey Kevin...you got any money riding on this game with your fellow writers? Since you were the ONLY one who picked the Wings to win in "The Finals", I HOPE YOU CASH IN BIG-TIME!!!!!
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6-11-2009 @ 5:50PM
pensfanatical said...
Coming from a Pens fan, I can not stand Osgood. I hate playing against him but from the hockey fan perspective, He is incredible, especially in the playoffs.
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6-12-2009 @ 5:33PM
wstreps said...
The reason Osgood does not get much respect is because he doesn't deserve much. He's a very middle of the road type goalie who has occasional hot streaks. Like every goalie in the league does.
He's been fortunate to play for a team that makes him look better then he is. The Islanders and Blues found that out quickly enough.
The Wings clean up the rebounds, let him see the first shot , tie up the guys in front and take the pass away. Its not how many shots, it`s what kind of shots . Take away the rebounds and backdoors and most goalies are going to look great. Anyone who understands the position can see this.
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