Dom in net vs. Minnesota

[gcom007 1,465]

Dom had a great game Tuesday not because it was his toughest game, but because he made 3 or 4 really good clutch saves. That's what you want to see from your goalie, and it's all Osgood has had to do so far this season. The Wings D are top notch. They don't give up a lot of shots and they're aren't too many defensive break downs.

If the saves he had to make qualify as "really good clutch saves" then I guess we really have lowered the bar. Again, I'm not knocking him at all so much as saying there wasn't much of anything to challenge him. The "clutch saves" that I assume you're referring to were pretty run of the mill. He won. Bottom line. Objectivity doesn't allow us to say much more than that about his play in the game.

While Osgood has played games like that, I wouldn't call them great either. He has played great games though where he's been heavily challenged and held the team up when they were falling down. Those were some great games. Saying that yesterday was a great game is just ridiculous. Again, it might as well have been street hockey. Let him actually play a great game before you throw superlatives around.

[Booster313 138]

I saw one...and it was the right pad save he made from point blank. That's just me though.

That one was great as was the butterfly save from point blank at the top of the crease in the third period.

[Offsides 21]

I am cool with Dom playing...Good...he had a good game...good. But Ozzie's been doing this game in and game out...and he's leading the league.

He's 13-1-1 ... he's be very solid ... and for every good stop Dom has made this season Ozzie's made 10 great stops...so this is nice, but I'm not impressed.

Ozzie is way more trustworthy in net right now...especially in the playoffs as Dom seems to be showing his age. I hope both tenders can stay healthy through the duration, but all things equal...Ozzie should get more starts.

[interminded 1]

I am cool with Dom playing...Good...he had a good game...good. But Ozzie's been doing this game in and game out...and he's leading the league.

He's 13-1-1 ... he's be very solid ... and for every good stop Dom has made this season Ozzie's made 10 great stops...so this is nice, but I'm not impressed.

Ozzie is way more trustworthy in net right now...especially in the playoffs as Dom seems to be showing his age. I hope both tenders can stay healthy through the duration, but all things equal...Ozzie should get more starts.

I agree, Jen.

Dom played ONE good game against Montreal.

Which is good, don't get me wrong. And I want Dom to get back in the groove, too.

But Ozzie has worked hard and has shown he's on pace for a career season.

Credit where credit is due, people !!

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I disagree, I was happy to see Dom spralling and stacking the pads on a few saves last night. He was playing his game, and he looked confident doing so, something he's been missing since very early in the season. When Dom is not flopping it means he is doubting himself and that's a bad thing. He's flopped his entire career, love it or hate it (and it's worked for him more than it hasn't) that's his style. Flop On Dom!!!

Agreed.

I don't think the following is a tough choice:

--Learn a new style of goaltending

or

-- Stick with the one that made you the most decorated goaltender of all time.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

I disagree entirely. I think it'd be a mistake to drop hasek off and that he should get at least 2 games in a row. I was hoping that he would get Friday's start. I'd even say he should get Sunday's start (depending how he plays against the wild).

Based on what? The fact that he won a game that his team dominated from start to finish. I'm not discrediting Dom because the guy played great when he had to against Montreal, but Ozzie has put himself in a position to at absolute least split time for the job. Dom had a great game on Tuesday, and thus should be starting on Sunday. When Ozzie is playing as great as he is, like Babs said two weeks ago when Dom was getting back into it and he was still giving Ozzie the majority of the starts, why wouldn't he play a guy thats as hot as Ozzie is? Dom's a big boy and I'm sure he would've done just fine on Sunday, but there's no reason to shelve Ozzie for an entire week just because Dom played solid in one game.

IMO it should go like this:

12/7 vs. Wild - Osgood

12/9 vs. Hurricanes - Hasek

12/10 vs. Predators - Osgood

I am cool with Dom playing...Good...he had a good game...good. But Ozzie's been doing this game in and game out...and he's leading the league.

He's 13-1-1 ... he's be very solid ... and for every good stop Dom has made this season Ozzie's made 10 great stops...so this is nice, but I'm not impressed.

Ozzie is way more trustworthy in net right now...especially in the playoffs as Dom seems to be showing his age. I hope both tenders can stay healthy through the duration, but all things equal...Ozzie should get more starts.

I'd hold off on making comments like these. I don't feel Dom showed much of any signs of age last season during the playoffs, and thats the only sample we can use for what his play might be come April. Right now, I'm totally with you in regards to Ozzie being way more trustworthy in net....but I'm not going to speculate how Dom would play in the playoffs given that its 4.5 months away and a lot could happen in that time.

Edit: (Kelsey) Grammar

Edited December 6, 2007 by Never Forget Mac #25

[rick zombo 3,739]

In my opinion, Detroit needs Hasek to get going. The only way he's going to do that is to play 2 games for every one that Osgood plays for the next stretch of games.

Not taking anything away from Osgood's performance. If Friday night was a must-win game I'd feel much more comfortable with Chris in net.

But it's not a must-win, and Hasek needs to establish a rythym. Why not give him a shot while the team is 19-6-2?

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

In my opinion, Detroit needs Hasek to get going. The only way he's going to do that is to play 2 games for every one that Osgood plays for the next stretch of games.

Not taking anything away from Osgood's performance. If Friday night was a must-win game I'd feel much more comfortable with Chris in net.

But it's not a must-win, and Hasek needs to establish a rythym. Why not give him a shot while the team is 19-6-2?

Because of the risk of Ozzie cooling off. That's enough of a reason for me.

Dom is a seasoned veteran, and playing every other game right now should be plenty of opportunity to get back into a rhythm without shelving Ozzie and risking him getting cold.

Sidenote: Why do we "need" to get Hasek going right now? If this was 3 months from now, I would completely agree with you, but right now the team is playing great, and every other start for Dom should be plenty of opportunity to get in a rhythm.

Edited December 6, 2007 by Never Forget Mac #25

[puckloo39 5,686]

In my opinion, Detroit needs Hasek to get going. The only way he's going to do that is to play 2 games for every one that Osgood plays for the next stretch of games.

Not taking anything away from Osgood's performance. If Friday night was a must-win game I'd feel much more comfortable with Chris in net.

But it's not a must-win, and Hasek needs to establish a rythym. Why not give him a shot while the team is 19-6-2?

well, yeah, what you said. We have one goalie who got the opportunity to establish his game, and another who will do the same in short order. What's wrong with having two Cup-winning goalies who are both on their games?

If Oz is as comfortable and confident as he seems to be this season, then putting Dom in tomorrow night shouldn't be an issue. I'd wager Ozzie has no problem at all with Dom getting back into some games.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

well, yeah, what you said. We have one goalie who got the opportunity to establish his game, and another who will do the same in short order. What's wrong with having two Cup-winning goalies who are both on their games?

If Oz is as comfortable and confident as he seems to be this season, then putting Dom in tomorrow night shouldn't be an issue. I'd wager Ozzie has no problem at all with Dom getting back into some games.

I'm sure he doesn't, but why should Ozzie be shelved for an entire week when he's playing as solid as he is? I'm not worried about Dom getting his game "back". I know the talent he has and I know he'll get things rocking again very soon, so why shouldn't he split starts with Ozzie?

Edited December 6, 2007 by Never Forget Mac #25

[rick zombo 3,739]

Sidenote: Why do we "need" to get Hasek going right now? If this was 3 months from now, I would completely agree with you, but right now the team is playing great, and every other start for Dom should be plenty of opportunity to get in a rhythm.

We "need" to get Hasek going right now so that, at the very least, he'll be a reliable back-up when/if Ozzie cools off or gets hurt.

Also, I don't think that hasek playing 4 of the next 6 or 7 games will cause Chris any problems.

There are two goalies in Detroit right now. One has shown a history of needing alot of starts to be at his best, and one has shown a history of being able to come in cold and under-worked and put up wins.

What would be ideal for the Wings, from a totally non-partisan point of view, would be to have both goalies playing well.

[puckloo39 5,686]

I'm sure he doesn't, but why should Ozzie be shelved for an entire week when he's playing as solid as he is? I'm not worried about Dom getting his game "back". I know the talent he has and I know he'll get things rocking again very soon, so why shouldn't he split starts with Ozzie?

Don't get me wrong, Mac. I would be OK with whatever games Dom gets, if it is every other game or every third game, whatever... he will do whatever Babs says. I do understand that Ozzie doesn't "deserve" to sit, but I am not sure it's about that. I guess we have to trust Babcock to know what he's doing.

I don't worry about Ozzie losing his edge over sitting out two games in a row. If that happens, we have a real problem.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

We "need" to get Hasek going right now so that, at the very least, he'll be a reliable back-up when/if Ozzie cools off or gets hurt.

Also, I don't think that hasek playing 4 of the next 6 or 7 games will cause Chris any problems.

There are two goalies in Detroit right now. One has shown a history of needing alot of starts to be at his best, and one has shown a history of being able to come in cold and under-worked and put up wins.

What would be ideal for the Wings, from a totally non-partisan point of view, would be to have both goalies playing well.

I couldn't agree more, and if you're talking about 4 out of the next 7 games for Dom I'm totally with you. What I don't agree with is those saying Dom should start the next 2 or 3 games in a row. All the Dom loyalists are saying that we need to get Dom going right now so we have two goalies rocking, but if you neglect the other goalie, by the time its said and done you might not accomplish getting both goalies going. Instead you may have gotten Dom going, but Ozzie may cool off as a result of less playing time.

Don't get me wrong, Mac. I would be OK with whatever games Dom gets, if it is every other game or every third game, whatever... he will do whatever Babs says. I do understand that Ozzie doesn't "deserve" to sit, but I am not sure it's about that. I guess we have to trust Babcock to know what he's doing.

I don't worry about Ozzie losing his edge over sitting out two games in a row. If that happens, we have a real problem.

Nor do I, but if you start shelving any goalie for weeks at a time (which is what some are suggesting to happen this week atleast), you really can't expect Ozzie to keep his rhythm.

Bottom line, I want both goalies rocking, but not at the expense of cooling down the hottest goalie in the league. Simple as that.

Edit: Spelling

Edited December 6, 2007 by Never Forget Mac #25

[puckloo39 5,686]

I couldn't agree more, and if you're talking about 4 out of the next 7 games for Dom I'm totally with you. What I don't agree with is those saying Dom should start the next 2 or 3 games in a row. All the Dom loyalists are saying that we need to get Dom going right now so we have two goalies rocking, but if you neglect the other goalie, by the time its said and done you might not accomplish getting both goalies going. Instead you may have gotten Dom going, but Ozzie may cool off as a result of less playing time.

Nor do I, but if you start shelving any goalie for weeks at a time (which is what some are suggesting to happen this week atleast), you really can't expect Ozzie to keep his rhythm.

Bottom line, I want both goalies rocking, but not at the expense of cooling down the hottest goalie in the league. Simple as that.

Edit: Spelling

Ozzie might cool off if he doesn't play, and Hasek won't ever get going if he never plays. So what are we going to do? Whatever Babs decides, I guess.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Ozzie might cool off if he doesn't play, and Hasek won't ever get going if he never plays. So what are we going to do? Whatever Babs decides, I guess.

Don't take this the wrong way, but what don't you understand about what I'm proposing? I agree with the bolded analysis, and my response to that is what I've already been saying in all of my posts in this thead.....Split time.

IMO, that should accomplish both goals.

[puckloo39 5,686]

Don't take this the wrong way, but what don't you understand about what I'm proposing? I agree with the bolded analysis, and my response to that is what I've already been saying in all of my posts in this thead.....Split time.

IMO, that should accomplish both goals.

I do understand, and I don't disagree with you on the split time. I don't know why Babs decided to put Dom in tomorrow. Perhaps they'll start tandeming after this weekend. Dom didn't get much work with Montreal, other than a few clutch saves, it was not much of a challenge. Maybe the coaches think he needs a couple of periods with some tougher saves to get him back in it.

I expect Ozzie on Sunday, don't you? At any rate, I don't expect Dom to suddenly get a bunch of games in a row in favor of Ozzie. That would surprise me.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

I do understand, and I don't disagree with you on the split time. I don't know why Babs decided to put Dom in tomorrow. Perhaps they'll start tandeming after this weekend. Dom didn't get much work with Montreal, other than a few clutch saves, it was not much of a challenge. Maybe the coaches think he needs a couple of periods with some tougher saves to get him back in it.

I expect Ozzie on Sunday, don't you? At any rate, I don't expect Dom to suddenly get a bunch of games in a row in favor of Ozzie. That would surprise me.

And you're dead on with the bolded statement. Even though his play was solid, that coupled with Babs possibly wanting to get Hasek right back out there after a win are probably why he's going with Dom tomorrow.

To answer your question, I do expect Ozzie on Sunday, and I truly hope Babs keeps them splitting time so that they both are in a rhythm and ready to step up if either falters. That's the best case scenario for the Red Wings especially if both goalies are playing their best leading up to the playoffs. Can you imagine having both Ozzie playing like he is, and Dom playing like he did last year in the playoffs in the middle of April? That would be insane, and a great problem to have if you're the Wings coaching staff.

Edited December 6, 2007 by Never Forget Mac #25

[OsGOD 3]

Yeah, Dom had a really good game against the Habs. I think if he goes back to playing like that all the time he will silence alot of the doubters...but never Osgod

Damn Straight... Something about almost the best goalie in the league this season being put on the bench is the funniest s*** i have ever seen...

Ah well... B'***** the boss of us...

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Hmmm..

I also think it's good Dom had a really solid game, but Ozzie should be in net tomorrow and after that go back to Dom. It seems fair that way anyway.. Oz shouldn't be benched two games in a row just because Dom had a solid game. Go back and forth..

[OsGOD 3]

The only good thing i see is that out of the two right now Ozzie is the biggest asset to the team becuase he is playing Awesome puck when starting AND he can come in off the bench during a game and perform AND he can play well after a few game layoffs... All around A+ for our team...

Edited December 6, 2007 by OsGOD

[Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3]

Hmmm..

I also think it's good Dom had a really solid game, but Ozzie should be in net tomorrow and after that go back to Dom. It seems fair that way anyway.. Oz shouldn't be benched two games in a row just because Dom had a solid game. Go back and forth..

I agree with that. Good for floppy, glad to see he had a good game. But I think benching the hottest goalie in the league based on one strong start... kinda sucks.

I suppose I'll reserve my judgement til after Hasek's next start to see if he has earned more playing time (Ozzie absolutely has proven he deserves 50/50 split at the VERY least).

[Offsides 21]

I'd hold off on making comments like these. I don't feel Dom showed much of any signs of age last season during the playoffs, and thats the only sample we can use for what his play might be come April. Right now, I'm totally with you in regards to Ozzie being way more trustworthy in net....but I'm not going to speculate how Dom would play in the playoffs given that its 4.5 months away and a lot could happen in that time.

Let me clarify what I was saying, though it might not change what you think but reading back it would be a little ambiguous what I meant.

I wasn't referring to last season. I meant...Dom is showing his age, which i think will be a liability in the playoffs. I do think he looked tired by the end of last playoffs, but we had other problems..such as defense. I can't remember what exactly I said now because I'm not looking at it but it was supposed to be 2 seperate statements.

1. Dom is showing his age

2. If that is so, it is a liability ESPECIALLY in the playoffs because it's such a long and arduous thing

Not that that probably changed your answer, but I just wanted to clarify that I wasn't really referring to last season. He might have just slumped and be totally awesome for the rest of the year. Whoever is playing better in May Dom or Ozzie should play in the playoffs despite my or other's personal preferences.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Let me clarify what I was saying, though it might not change what you think but reading back it would be a little ambiguous what I meant.

I wasn't referring to last season. I meant...Dom is showing his age, which i think will be a liability in the playoffs. I do think he looked tired by the end of last playoffs, but we had other problems..such as defense. I can't remember what exactly I said now because I'm not looking at it but it was supposed to be 2 seperate statements.

1. Dom is showing his age

2. If that is so, it is a liability ESPECIALLY in the playoffs because it's such a long and arduous thing

Not that that probably changed your answer, but I just wanted to clarify that I wasn't really referring to last season. He might have just slumped and be totally awesome for the rest of the year. Whoever is playing better in May Dom or Ozzie should play in the playoffs despite my or other's personal preferences.

I couldn't agree more, and right now I fully believe that Ozzie should be getting the slight majority of nods due to his play. I'm not sure Jen if you kept reading after my reply to you, but I would hope its abundantly clear that I don't favor either goaltender on a regular basis and rather I want the goalie in net that gives the Wings the best chance to win. Right now Ozzie has proved that he is that guy, and I feel he should be getting 4 out of every 7 nods until one of two things happens, (1) he cools down, or (2) Dom gets even hotter than Ozzie is.

I hope everyone understands that I don't favor either goalie. In fact, I think people are quite confused by my posts because I don't support one over the other. What I do do ( Chandler ) is try and see things that are in the best interest of the team regardless of either goalie's "feelings" or what people on this board think they know about their beloved goalie.

Lastly, I would completely agree with you though in the fact that if Dom can't show consistency over the next couple months (and given that Ozzie keeps up his level of play), that the 4 out of 7 ratio I was talking about should probably be bumped up to 2-out-of-3 or even 5-of-7, and let Oz lead the way for us in the playoffs.

Edited December 6, 2007 by Never Forget Mac #25

[dallas27 7]

well, yeah, what you said. We have one goalie who got the opportunity to establish his game, and another who will do the same in short order. What's wrong with having two Cup-winning goalies who are both on their games?

The wars that will be started here, although they can get entertaining Having two hot goalies is sort of a double-edged sword really. And personally, although the playoffs are far away and there is still a lot of hockey to be played, I sorta want an established #1 going into the playoffs. I feel having two hot goaltenders going into them is going to pose too many questions. BUT. I'm a fan and not part of the team and if they have confidence in both goaltenders going in that's not a bad thing.

[puckloo39 5,686]

The wars that will be started here, although they can get entertaining Having two hot goalies is sort of a double-edged sword really. And personally, although the playoffs are far away and there is still a lot of hockey to be played, I sorta want an established #1 going into the playoffs. I feel having two hot goaltenders going into them is going to pose too many questions. BUT. I'm a fan and not part of the team and if they have confidence in both goaltenders going in that's not a bad thing.

Just a gut feeling, but I think the goalies and the team will work this out, and all will be well. We're a whole lot more concerned about who gets how many games and when, than either Ozzie or Dom. They know what they are doing. Each knows where their own strengths lie and they understand each other as professionals. I trust them both, and Babs.

I am not worried if we have either one in goal for the playoffs, or if we have both. Personally, I think it would be great to tandem for the playoffs, depending on which goalie is the one who presents the most challenge, head-game wise, to the opponent in a given game or series.

Who knows what will transpire between now and April? I expect the "sexy tandem" to rule the league. No more, no less.