gcom007

I've had no issue with any decisions made so far. I'd keep them rotating for a good while. Today is totally understandable to break it up as things like this happen. Just as Osgood likely will get a start or two more here and there when they need to put their best foot forward. Osgood's proven that he's got what it takes and he doesn't seem to be shaken by any off ice stuff so I don't think it hurts to give Hasek a few more chances here and there. I'm all for him getting his shot. Generally though, rotate until maybe trade deadline-ish and see where things stand. If Osgood's still playing better, get him geared up and ready to go in the playoffs. If Hasek proves that he can play at his top game, get him going. Even then not much would likely change in terms of rotation. Maybe 2-1-1-2-1-1 to close it out.

I'm not complaining about Hasek starting nor have I so once again, many irrelevant statements in context to my thoughts and opinions. I'm not complaining about Hasek last season either nor did I. I was perfectly fine with the way he was playing. I had no beef with him starting in the playoffs. I thought as things went on that Osgood began to show signs of looking better than Hasek, but he hadn't played enough games to give any credence to the idea of starting in the playoffs. Thus, I supported Hasek fully despite my distaste for him in general. This year, before things got ugly, before there was hype involved, before the regular season started, I felt as if something wasn't quite right with Hasek. I still can't quite peg what exactly that is and can only assume that it has something to do with age finally catching up with him. I don't think it makes him a terrible goalie but it was worrisome to me before the season started and so far this season he's given me plenty of cause for more concern. It doesn't make me hate him. I don't. I don't like him, but it's not as if I hate him. I supported them resigning him in many ways. It's just about facts at this point, and the facts say that Chris Osgood is the far superior goalie who has been nearly unbeatable for a long while now against plenty of tough teams in games where the skaters didn't show up. Hasek hasn't put up solid number and hasn't showed near the poise that Osgood displays day in, day out. When will you at least admit this? It's what's entirely frustrating about you. I generally liked Robert Lang and oftentimes found myself playing the role of the apologist, but as things went on, I was objective about the reality of the situation. Sure, I would've loved for it to get better, but for the sake of discussion on a discussion board, I was objective about the current reality which was fairly abysmal. You'd be more respectable if you could take off your fan-girl hat and be objective about the situation. It doesn't make you less of a fan, just more of a person. PS - Any sarcastic statement that I've put out has been beyond calculated and restrained. I've been banned a couple times for being too "opinionated" so the last thing I'm going to do is to freely tap into the sarcasm. If I wanted to go for the throat, I could, and it'd humor me. But alas, the moderators probably wouldn't appreciate it.

Yeah, he's playing better than he was. Now he's at least playing like a decent middle-of-the-road goalie. Whereas Osgood is playing like a league-leading goalie with league-leading numbers to back it up. It's cool that Hasek struggles to hit a .900 sv% every game though if he gets there at all. I mean, it's progress, except it's not helping his still league-worst sv% for relevant goalies. I mean, it's not like Ozzie's 2nd or anything in that department. I support whoever's playing, but there's still no question as to who's the better goalie right now. And I don't see that changing as the season progresses nor do I see how he's improving every game. He's looked about the same since returning...a decent middle-of-the-road goalie who struggles to hit a .900 sv% game to game let alone overall. Yes! Truth! But what you gotta love about Ozzie this year is that he still manages to find a way to get the "W" when the team doesn't show up. And you know what, I bet that fact stings you a lot more than it stings me to see Hasek get starts so don't even start with a "front of the jersey" lecture. I'm sorry if my use of facts confuses you into thinking that I'm not a team-guy, but I will not refrain from basing my statements and opinions on them. I could care less personally. Sure, I'd rather see Osgood starting as I think he's the better goalie, but he doesn't seem to be affected whatsoever by any outside factors. He brings his A-game whenever he starts and if he keeps it up, then things will fall into place. I mean, let Hasek have his chance to prove to everyone and himself that he should be starting. He hasn't so far by any stretch especially compared to Osgood's outstanding play. Even if you want to play with biases, in the long-run I don't think the Ozzie camp stands to lose any ground based on more Hasek starts. Hell, if it keeps up like this, it only helps your chances of getting the recognition come playoff time.

Dom's got better chances of winning against the Kings seeing as they're one of the worst teams in the league.

Some of y'all need to get a grip...was he trying to hurt him and inflict some serious pain in the process? Oh yeah, no doubt. Was he trying to end his career and cause incredibly serious damage as y'all are suggesting? I don't think so. There's only so much even the sharpest of blades will do considering all the padding these guys wear. The impact from the stomp was what would cause damage more than any sort of slice from a blade. The blades are going to cause a lot more damage in a pileup when multiple people are down and someone's trying to get free. Then a blade could actually slice someone. A blade is not going to slice someone stomping downwards. It's just not really possible. It'd sting like hell and if enough force was applied you just might be able to fracture a bone in the foot, but even that's a bit of a longshot. So this whole "trying to end his career" talk is for the birds. Once again, get a grip. It was an incredibly dirty and stupid play and it's enough to say that. You don't need to ride the hype train to the heavens to prove that.

He could be perfectly normal and a good guy off the ice. He knows his role though, no doubt. Does he recognize any sort of lines though...? Who knows and like you said, that's the concern I have. You know, there's clean hits and clean dirty hits that raise an eyebrow and keep it interesting...then there's dirty-dirty hits like a few Simon has pulled and you've just got to be able to draw a line with those.

I don't think this particular instance is as intense as some are making it out to be. Really stupid but not quite so crazy. But, this guy is nuts and has made about 8 too many crazy plays. After awhile you really do have to wonder when someone's going to draw some real-deal lines. 30 games is serious business and if this was his first incident I'd say it's about right, but Simon is a cheapshot artist. I'm all for fighting and a good, rough game, but this kind of garbage is totally unnecessary.

Sure, it'd be nice to have him cheaper, but 7.6 mil is a steal now. Furthermore, even if he declines some, considering his style, 7.6 mil will probably still be a steal in 5 years. He's underpaid now compared to what he could get and at worst I think 7.6 mil would be about right in 5 years.

They're going to give Dom every opportunity to claim the role but again, if things continue like this, Osgood will start come playoff time. There's just no way Babcock and management are going to play a guy who's played average at best over a guy who's arguably been the best or at least one of the best goalies in the league. Again, they'll keep it neutral in the press down to the wire and give Dom every opportunity, but if Osgood continues this pace and Hasek doesn't drastically improve, Osgood will start. No doubt about it. They're not stupid. They're playing their own balancing-act game as we speak.

If he keeps this up throughout the season, I think it's highly likely that he'll at least get a nomination. Whether he wins or not will be up for grabs, but you can't ignore a guy who is putting up these kinds of numbers. I don't say this to knock Hasek, but they're both playing behind the same team...compare the numbers. Since getting healthy Hasek hasn't played bad really by any means but he still hasn't put up numbers like Osgood or come even close really. That minimizes the whole "team" argument in a lot of ways. I mean, I don't think he'll win but I don't think he's going to be ignored either. I also think he'll get 45-50 games in this year barring an injury. He's just playing too well...again, unless Hasek gets to playing at least as well, Osgood will get his typical alternating starts and the more important ones too. The guy playing well is going to play more...that's how Babs runs it and even with Hasek improved, Osgood's clearly been the better goalie on this team and indeed one of the top goalies in the league right now. They're not going to just ignore that nomatter what they're saying to the press now.

I don't think Hasek's run away with the starting role yet at all. Since returning and playing so "well," Osgood's still continued to play better facing more adversity than Hasek and he's won all his games whereas Hasek's lost one and posted two sub-.900 games (that I can recall...) and again, generally he hasn't been challenged near as much as Osgood has in his last few games. If Osgood keeps winning and playing like this and Hasek doesn't play at least as well, Osgood will be the starter down the stretch and into the playoffs.

I always liked Schneider when he was here but no thank you. Not necessary now and he had his chance to stay. Plus it would never happen and eat up too much cap space.

I'm on the fence about this. It seems a little gimmicky to me. I kinda doubt it'll stick but who knows. But hey, if it works, maybe Lidstrom can play the whole game.

Nike bought Canstar which was the whole Cooper, Bauer, Daous, Mega, etc...some of those companies were dissolved and many just went to making gear under the Bauer name only. Plus Nike of course. But funny, around that time it became all about image and the equipment started going to crap if you ask me. Granted, I still wear my old Nike Air Accel Elite's...the Federov one's. They were just a great fit though surprisingly. I was a huge Daoust (Gold 555) beforehand and when they went out, I got into some Bauer Composite 5000's for awhile which were "eh" but the Nike's honestly fit my foot like a glove. I don't play much anymore but I haven't been moved to buy new skates despite the fact that I think they're ugly as sin. Bah, but I miss the good stuff...Christian sticks and blades were the best.

I'd do cartwheels if I was making 37% of that 37% raise right now! Damn still being a college student! "In time I will collect the world." -from "Butterflies" by Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

The only question mark was always the playoffs and he proved admirably that that wasn't an issue last year. Even so, one has to consider the injuries he had to deal with heading into the playoffs other years when considering that. Also, consider just how many big plays he makes even in the regular season. He's the kind of guy who puts people in the seats. As much as you do'nt want to let the business side interfere with the team you ice, you've gotta consider stuff like that when assessing the situation. Definitely worth it though. One of the best pure scoring machines in the league today.

Call it drama, sure, I suppose. Doesn't sound too dramatic to me. It just sounds stupid. This is why I've never liked the guy. It really isn't drama though, just diarrhea of the mouth, but that's probably worse. All goalies tend to be a little dramatic and well, odd. I think Legace's like Osgood in that he's pretty normal in terms of personality. He's just stupid...no common sense. He's got the desire to be a starter but doesn't have the head for it even when his game's on. He doesn't know how to carry himself as a starter and the way he runs his mouth and gives everyone reasons to doubt him is just a small example of the lack of mental toughness he has. This leads to him losing his composure when it counts, as in both Wings playoff outings with him. And that whole "coming back too early" thing is another biggie in terms of why I really don't like the guy. Again, that wasn't just a selfish move, it was a stupid move. It shows that he's just got a serious lack of confidence that he can get the job done. If he can get the job done, he can take the time he needs to get healthy and come back and prove he's still the guy. He doesn't have to let it rest on momentum. Bah, this just opens a can of worms with me. I'm sure he's a super nice guy and all and he can play well at times, but besides that I never felt he was really a capable starter to go in the playoffs (before we even got there...) I just didn't really like the way he conducted himself. He probably thinks he's being "real and honest" and that's admirable, but it's not necessarily professional. I can handle guys not always playing well. I can handle him blowing it in the playoffs. It's tough to stomach, but it happens. What sours it for me is when you... a) make ill-advised decisions that are selfish and hurt the team in the present and potentially in the future (if you don't heal properly for example...) b) fail to conduct yourself in a unprofessional manner in general c) fail to recognize that if you're the starter, you've got to be a rock and exude confidence whether you want to or not because you know people are going to be looking to you If you can't do that, drop the act and be content to be a backup. There are countless guys who would kill to be a backup and ride the bench. I'm not saying don't strive for more, but recognize what it takes if you're going to do it. Be professional.

Furthermore, this will likely be the contract that puts Osgood over Terry Sawchuck's all-time wins record for the Wings. He deserves it and I have no doubts that they'll find a number that suits both parties just fine. I'm thinking between 1.5-2 million over 3-4 years.

Do it, tape it, and put it on youtube. What do you expect? You act as if it's not inevitable in some way, shape or form. And again, to keep it fair, I thought Osgood was going to have a crappy game tonight and I think I might've been the only one to bash him in the GDT for that goal. Granted, apparently I didn't see the angle that showed he was interfered with, none the less, let's just say once again that I call it how I see it. While I'm partial to Osgood between the two goalies, I'm most partial to winning. I have no problem with him playing great. I never even said anything bad about his play in the last 3 games, though I don't think he was too strong in the 3rd game back. In this case though, I thought it was stupid that he got the honor. I substantiated my statement with a logical argument. Heaven forbid. I can understand your distaste with bandwagon bashing, but as someone who rarely jumps on bandwagons and attempts to logically justify his opinions and posts, I demand more respect for my opinions on Hasek. They're tried and true and wholly non-reliant on the irrational leanings of the sheep that tend to populate this board from both goalies camps. I don't roll with either camp. I do my own thing. I call it how I see it. That said, I want you to break many plates on your head. Do it. Then come back and explain to me why I should kiss the ass of a guy I don't like who is having a mediocre season at best even given recent "success" in the most lopsided games of the season. It was fine to bash Lang when he was around, but I can't bash Hasek? Sorry, no deal. I've given him more than his due this year given his performance and have supported him getting more starts and opportunity's to prove himself than the people on his own bandwagon, so cut this self-righteous pacifist bulls*** out and let me express my opinions. If you can't reply in a constructive, conversational manner, don't post. How the hell are you any better than the bandwagon zealots from either side if you can't even pose more of an argument than "can't we just be happy?" Stupid! Next time, try dealing with what's there. If what I post is so ridiculous and off-base, put me in my place with a logical argument as opposed to some lame and petty attempt to come off as "above" the situation. Go break plates. That's all I'm trying to say...it doesn't matter if you like him or not, it's silly that he got this nod. Saying so doesn't even minimize his play so much as force us to look at it in context to the games that were played, which were not at all challenging. Again, I think even he would say that it was ridiculous.

I'm bummed that Maltby is in GP. I'd totally go to see him as he's been one of my favorite players for a long while now and he's also one of the few I've yet to meet.

Give a bit of money and I don't think they'd care too much. Go ask for an autograph and walk away and then I change my answer. Eh...maybe I'll go see Hudler and Downey. I've gotta run over there at some point tomorrow anyways.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome Wesley Willis to shed some light on this issue...

We also get that you're obsessed with him. I on the other hand just choose to operate objectively in reality. I'm sorry that I think it's nothing short of a joke that he got a star of the week. There's no way you can honestly say that those two games last week were worthy outings. I mean, this isn't even about how good or bad he played. The other teams didn't do even close to enough to give him an opportunity to play well. It's as simple as that. I only had positive things to say about his play since returning, but this is a joke. Sorry for being objective.

I'm in the Facebook group...ha...it is a cool thing. Hopefully this takes off a bit more. Considering they've run that 2-3 minute short on the matter 3-4 times just tonight and talk about it incessantly, you'd have to think it'd help some.

I honestly was expecting Osgood to have a crappy game.