Osgood says he is ready to lead the team in the playoffs

[gcom007 1,465]

I love all the haters that really don't understand the facts. I love that they all have such a limited perspective as well. Correlation, no? While y'all have been busy complaining about regular season play, as he's geared up for the playoffs over the last month, he's put up numbers much like last years regular season and playoff stats especially when you cut out that garbage game where he got shelled because the Defense forgot to leave the locker room for the game. Again, like I've said all over, I've been watching this guy forever. His play doesn't always make me happy, but I trust what he says and I trust that he'll make it happen when we need him most. He's always done that. We've NEVER lost a playoff series because of Osgood. Never. Not one.

And again, like others said, Hasek came to us. What do you expect the Wings in a non-cap era to do? I didn't like it and I think it brought about more trouble than it was worth long-run though. Osgood (hell, probably Legace...) could've won the Cup behind that 2002 squad. Osgood stays, we skip about the only drama this team has ever had in the last 15 years. The drama all came from getting Hasek. Cujo's a classy guy for the most part but got the Hasek-shaft just like Osgood. Then the Legace as a starter disaster?!?!?!

If we had've just kept Osgood (and the clutch-scoring big=time playoff performer Kozlov for that matter) I think we might've won a couple more Cups than we already had. We had some great teams through there that were obviously distracted by those goalie issues. Hasek ended on a classy note and I commend him for that, but like I said, if it was me, I never would've made the deal and Osgood never would've been shipped off. And I think we'd have another couple Cups to show for it.

You don't always need to have "the best" at every position, especially goalie. Goalie egos are too volatile. Osgood is the really the perfect Wings goalie through this era. A star in his own right, but not a superstar, and absolutely no ego to muck things up in the locker room. He just does what's necessary to win. And he's won a lot. I have plenty of faith in him to take us to the Cup again this year. He won't do it alone, but on a team like this, it would be absolutely pathetic and despicable if he had to.

[Lazerbeam 13]

People keep saying this. Have you ever looked at his record outside Detroit? I see a season with the Islanders and two with the Blues where he took them to the playoffs as a starter. Are you implying the lowly Blues and Islanders were stacked all of a sudden when Osgood showed up? Could it be that he's better than you give him credit for?

Ya, and how many other teams were beating down Osgood's door to sign him after he was released from the Blues??? But he signs as a BACKUP <<READ IT AGAIN!! BACKUP! with the Wings--I dont recall the Wings being in any bidding war with another team to sign him??--do you???

I said on a consistent basis or maybe you missed that... he can play well enough but not on a consistent basis. He was on the bench to start last season playoffs, came on in relief and played some of the best hockey of his career only to follow that up with the worst hockey of his career. Ignore it all you want but he is in the midst of doing exactly what he is known for. Which Osgood will show up for the playoffs? After an entire season of terrible hockey I worry... there is no switch to flip folks, there is no line to cross, no magic ritual or chant that will magically make his season long bad habits vanish. I did not see the game last nightbut watched the highlights and both goals that got by him shouldn't have. If he plays like this as a starter in the playoffs it will take near too 100% perfect play in front f him by the entire rest of the team to make up for his untimely softies.

Totally agree

[Outsider 42]

Ya, and how many other teams were beating down Osgood's door to sign him after he was released from the Blues??? But he signs as a BACKUP <<READ IT AGAIN!! BACKUP! with the Wings--I dont recall the Wings being in any bidding war with another team to sign him??--do you???

Once again, people remember what they want to remember.

Osgood didn't sign on as a back up. He signed on to "compete" with Legace for the #1 spot. That was a nod to Legace's years of service without having ever received his "shot". It was ALSO a surefire sign from Babcock, in his first year as Wings Coach, that this was HIS Team, and that the past didn't matter to him. He'd base HIS decisions, and run HIS Team, the way he saw fit.

Osgood was injured in TRAINING CAMP that Season, and Legace went on to set an NHL record for Wins in the month of October by an NHL goaltender.

Babcock, deciding to put HIS stamp on his new Team, went against conventional wisdom and named Legace the Starter while Osgood was still down in Grand Rapids on his conditioning stint. Osgood hadn't even played a single game in the NHL at that point in the Season.

So much for the "competition".

Osgood outplayed Legace down the stretch, but Babcock stubbornly refused to waiver in his support of "his guy". Many people questioned Babcock's decision to name a career back up as his #1, ESPECIALLY for the Play Offs.

While Legace had MANY, MANY good years in Detroit under his belt, posting stellar numbers during the regular season, he had all but zero Play Off experience. And he WAS, after all, a back up. Always had been.

The questions were proven to be completely justified when the worst happened in the first round against Edmonton, as the career back up showed WHY he'd never, in a decade long career, made the transition from "best back up in the NHL" to "Starter".

Again....

You can try to spin it any way you like, AFTER THE FACT, but Osgood wasn't signed to be the back up.

And in hindsight, he should never have been designated as one. Not to Legace.

Ya think Babcock learned his lesson...???

[OsGOD 3]

only a few more games till we can get the real season started

Edited April 7, 2009 by OsGOD

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

I love all the haters that really don't understand the facts. I love that they all have such a limited perspective as well. Correlation, no? While y'all have been busy complaining about regular season play, as he's geared up for the playoffs over the last month, he's put up numbers much like last years regular season and playoff stats especially when you cut out that garbage game where he got shelled because the Defense forgot to leave the locker room for the game. Again, like I've said all over, I've been watching this guy forever. His play doesn't always make me happy, but I trust what he says and I trust that he'll make it happen when we need him most. He's always done that. We've NEVER lost a playoff series because of Osgood. Never. Not one.

And again, like others said, Hasek came to us. What do you expect the Wings in a non-cap era to do? I didn't like it and I think it brought about more trouble than it was worth long-run though. Osgood (hell, probably Legace...) could've won the Cup behind that 2002 squad. Osgood stays, we skip about the only drama this team has ever had in the last 15 years. The drama all came from getting Hasek. Cujo's a classy guy for the most part but got the Hasek-shaft just like Osgood. Then the Legace as a starter disaster?!?!?!

If we had've just kept Osgood (and the clutch-scoring big=time playoff performer Kozlov for that matter) I think we might've won a couple more Cups than we already had. We had some great teams through there that were obviously distracted by those goalie issues. Hasek ended on a classy note and I commend him for that, but like I said, if it was me, I never would've made the deal and Osgood never would've been shipped off. And I think we'd have another couple Cups to show for it.

You don't always need to have "the best" at every position, especially goalie. Goalie egos are too volatile. Osgood is the really the perfect Wings goalie through this era. A star in his own right, but not a superstar, and absolutely no ego to muck things up in the locker room. He just does what's necessary to win. And he's won a lot. I have plenty of faith in him to take us to the Cup again this year. He won't do it alone, but on a team like this, it would be absolutely pathetic and despicable if he had to.

Osgood wasn't very good vs. the Avalanche in 2000 or the Kings in 2001. Can't say he lost those series for the Wings - but he didn't help. Hasek provided a much needed revival in goal at that particular time.

Name a playoff series the Wings have won because of Osgood. I can't think of one. That's because he's a mediocre goalie - he will not win you a series, maybe not even steal you a game, but he is also unlikely to lose the series on his own too

Just because some of us don't have alot of confidence in Osgood doesn't mean we are "lacking the facts" - everyone is entitled to their own opinion. How could anyone have confidence after his regular season performance? - even Oz was disappointed in himself.

Just because Oz makes me nervous does not mean I won't root for him to reincarnate himself come playoff time - hell if I could suck it up and support Legace in the POs and he was brutal - this will be a piece of cake....

[boomer 0]

Osgood wasn't very good vs. the Avalanche in 2000 or the Kings in 2001. Can't say he lost those series for the Wings - but he didn't help. Hasek provided a much needed revival in goal at that particular time.

Name a playoff series the Wings have won because of Osgood. I can't think of one. That's because he's a mediocre goalie - he will not win you a series, maybe not even steal you a game, but he is also unlikely to lose the series on his own too

Just because some of us don't have alot of confidence in Osgood doesn't mean we are "lacking the facts" - everyone is entitled to their own opinion. How could anyone have confidence after his regular season performance? - even Oz was disappointed in himself.

Just because Oz makes me nervous does not mean I won't root for him to reincarnate himself come playoff time - hell if I could suck it up and support Legace in the POs and he was brutal - this will be a piece of cake....

Exactly, this guy hits the nail on the head, yeah will root for him that is all in the name of the team ; but some of us will always regard him as a liability and that's the bottom line. And if he gets stellar and brings us all the way Im sure I'll have to suck up a lot of s***. But on the otherside of the pond be prepared to come down from your high horse and suck your fair share too if he's the reason were bounced early!

[Outsider 42]

Not worth it....

I'll just hope that he pulls his head outta his rear and he, and the Wings, have an awesome run this Post Season.

Edited April 8, 2009 by Outsider

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

Exactly, this guy hits the nail on the head, yeah will root for him that is all in the name of the team ; but some of us will always regard him as a liability and that's the bottom line. And if he gets stellar and brings us all the way Im sure I'll have to suck up a lot of s***. But on the otherside of the pond be prepared to come down from your high horse and suck your fair share too if he's the reason were bounced early!

Gal. Yes I'll be the first to congratulate Osgood when and if he plays well (like vs. the Sabres) and helps us win (like last POs). But if he is a liability - as you say - you can be sure some die-hards will "blame everything and everyone else but Osgood" for that....

[Guest Shoreline]

I love all the haters that really don't understand the facts. I love that they all have such a limited perspective as well. Correlation, no? While y'all have been busy complaining about regular season play, as he's geared up for the playoffs over the last month, he's put up numbers much like last years regular season and playoff stats especially when you cut out that garbage game where he got shelled because the Defense forgot to leave the locker room for the game. Again, like I've said all over, I've been watching this guy forever. His play doesn't always make me happy, but I trust what he says and I trust that he'll make it happen when we need him most. He's always done that. We've NEVER lost a playoff series because of Osgood. Never. Not one.

And again, like others said, Hasek came to us. What do you expect the Wings in a non-cap era to do? I didn't like it and I think it brought about more trouble than it was worth long-run though. Osgood (hell, probably Legace...) could've won the Cup behind that 2002 squad. Osgood stays, we skip about the only drama this team has ever had in the last 15 years. The drama all came from getting Hasek. Cujo's a classy guy for the most part but got the Hasek-shaft just like Osgood. Then the Legace as a starter disaster?!?!?!

If we had've just kept Osgood (and the clutch-scoring big=time playoff performer Kozlov for that matter) I think we might've won a couple more Cups than we already had. We had some great teams through there that were obviously distracted by those goalie issues. Hasek ended on a classy note and I commend him for that, but like I said, if it was me, I never would've made the deal and Osgood never would've been shipped off. And I think we'd have another couple Cups to show for it.

You don't always need to have "the best" at every position, especially goalie. Goalie egos are too volatile. Osgood is the really the perfect Wings goalie through this era. A star in his own right, but not a superstar, and absolutely no ego to muck things up in the locker room. He just does what's necessary to win. And he's won a lot. I have plenty of faith in him to take us to the Cup again this year. He won't do it alone, but on a team like this, it would be absolutely pathetic and despicable if he had to.

Abso-fricken-lutely true. And RMWG nailed it on the head too that Ozzie isn't the game stealer, nor is he the game loser. He's just good enough to help the Wings win, which is all that's needed. Interesting how people can be critical and at the same time level-headed.

What's also cool is how my ignore list has grown immensely from a select few who love to piss all over the Red Wings goalie, Osgood, as well as other select players, and claim they love the Red Wings. You know, because pissing all over players on your favorite team, especially when they're winning, is surely a way of showing how much of a level-headed and tolerable fan you are. I prefer puckbunnies and complete homers to unsatisfiable malconents with an OCD-like penchant for crapping all over players on a team most of us enjoy watching.

[boomer 0]

Abso-fricken-lutely true. And RMWG nailed it on the head too that Ozzie isn't the game stealer, nor is he the game loser. He's just good enough to help the Wings win, which is all that's needed. Interesting how people can be critical and at the same time level-headed.

What's also cool is how my ignore list has grown immensely from a select few who love to piss all over the Red Wings goalie, Osgood, as well as other select players, and claim they love the Red Wings. You know, because pissing all over players on your favorite team, especially when they're winning, is surely a way of showing how much of a level-headed and tolerable fan you are. I prefer puckbunnies and complete homers to unsatisfiable malconents with an OCD-like penchant for crapping all over players on a team most of us enjoy watching.

Your just a whinning drip Shoreline with a bone up your panties I would never put you on ignore your hockey lack of hockey knowledge is gives me immense pleasure especially as you mask it with your petty little rants that you try to pass as rational dialogue. Yeah you would be a real tough guy in sports bar to get into a tuss with. Man thanks again for the laughs I got go now and have a bowel movement.

[boomer 0]

Abso-fricken-lutely true. And RMWG nailed it on the head too that Ozzie isn't the game stealer, nor is he the game loser. He's just good enough to help the Wings win, which is all that's needed. Interesting how people can be critical and at the same time level-headed.

What's also cool is how my ignore list has grown immensely from a select few who love to piss all over the Red Wings goalie, Osgood, as well as other select players, and claim they love the Red Wings. You know, because pissing all over players on your favorite team, especially when they're winning, is surely a way of showing how much of a level-headed and tolerable fan you are. I prefer puckbunnies and complete homers to unsatisfiable malconents with an OCD-like penchant for crapping all over players on a team most of us enjoy watching.

Keep hitting that little ignore button Caligula you'll be having dialogue with you and the mirror- but we know you will peak from time to time, afterall whinning is your calling!

[The Secret 304]

Hasek pursued the Wings, not the other way around. Historical fact. Osgood was making $3.5M, and had 2 years left on his contract at $3.75M and $4.0M. Legace was making $550K. Not too tough to figure it out....

Yet the Wings chose and older more expensive Hasek over their own home grown Mediocre man Osgood... why? If they were happy and confident with Osgood why? Why upgrade on something that does not need upgrading when you could spend that money else where? You're right, its not too tough to see, so LOOK AT IT! They obviously thought that they could strengthen the Goal position by ridding themselves of Osgood's sometimes ok sometimes not hockey and replacing with Dominic Hasek. They could just have easily said "No, Dom. Thanks but we are happy with Chris in net. He gets the job done for less money!", but they didn't.

Two words:

Rick DiPietro.

You know.......that guy the Islanders turned into the first goaltender in NHL History ever drafted 1st Overall, and then signed to a record-setting 15 year contract.

Not too difficult to figure that one out, either.

I see that here, good for you!

Two words, again:

Larry Pleau.

Two more words:

Patrick Lalime.

Larry Pleau's comments on choosing to sign Lalime, over re-signing Osgood:

"He's a much bigger goaltender than Chris. He's definitely got size."

Seriously....

Run a Google search on: Larry Pleau goaltender size. See what comes up. Larry Pleau is of the opinion that the ONLY trait a goaltender need possess is SIZE. The bigger, the better. Once JD, (a former goaltender himself), came in, he rather put the kibosh on that attitude as far as Blues goaltending is concerned but, up until that point, take a look at every goaltender the Blues have drafted and signed since the late 90's.

Not that it's done them a fat lot of good, but hey....

...blah ... blah ...blah! Really man. You're telling me here again that St. Louis is perfectly happy with Osgood. They love him, they are confident in him as a #1, there are no issue's BUT they chose to let his contract expire, why? For what they thought were bigger better options again. Someone mentioned earlier that they didn't remember hearing that there was a big line up to sign the recently be-loved St. Louis goalie. He signed for cheap as a BACKUP.... this happens to alot of good reliable goalies around the league like Brodeur and Luongo doesn't it?

Hmmmm......

Looks more to me like Oz sometimes has an issue keeping his focus in meaningless games, but knows when, where, and how to turn it on in pressure situations.

And here by meaningless games are you referring to the entire 08/09 season? Hmmmmmm.... and here's to hoping now that the meaningless part of the season is over that reliable Ozzie will rise to the occassion after all the horrific, mistake filled goal tending of the regular season that has him ranked near to last in statistics just by "flipping a switch" which doesn't exist. We'll see how that works out soon enough!

Edited April 8, 2009 by The Secret

[Datsyerberger 279]

Yet the Wings chose and older more expensive Hasek over their own home grown Mediocre man Osgood... why? If they were happy and confident with Osgood why? Why upgrade on something that does not need upgrading when you could spend that money else where? You're right, its not too tough to see, so LOOK AT IT! They obviously thought that they could strengthen the Goal position by ridding themselves of Osgood's sometimes ok sometimes not hockey and replacing with Dominic Hasek. They could just have easily said "No, Dom. Thanks but we are happy with Chris in net. He gets the job done for less money!", but they didn't.

Well, when you have a chance to sign arguably the most talented goaltender of all time and have the money to spend...

Anyhow, this was a little piece taken out of HF (written by yours truly) regarding Osgood and the Hall.

I would appreciate seeing a well thought out argument against his consistently very solid playoff performances with Detroit (.920 SV% with them over his career, 2 cups as a starter, 2.00 GAA).. heck, you can even toss in his playoff runs with the Isles and Blues and he still looks good in that regard (considering neither of those teams had any business being there in the first place).

Now, you can always claim it's the system/Detroit team, but then you could make the same argument for Brodeur (.919 SV%, 1.96 GAA, 3 cups as a starter.. while facing a lower average SA/G and arguably lower shot quality as well). But personally, I think that's a ridiculous argument, one of which I wouldn't bring against either goalie. You don't win the cup multiple times and come out with stats like that in 10+ playoff starts by being anything less than superb, no matter what team you're on.

There are quite a few players in the HoF who had average regular seasons, but are in the Hall (deservedly so) for their spectacular playoff quality.

[gcom007 1,465]

Well, when you have a chance to sign arguably the most talented goaltender of all time and have the money to spend...

Anyhow, this was a little piece taken out of HF (written by yours truly) regarding Osgood and the Hall.

I would appreciate seeing a well thought out argument against his consistently very solid playoff performances with Detroit (.920 SV% with them over his career, 2 cups as a starter, 2.00 GAA).. heck, you can even toss in his playoff runs with the Isles and Blues and he still looks good in that regard (considering neither of those teams had any business being there in the first place).

Now, you can always claim it's the system/Detroit team, but then you could make the same argument for Brodeur (.919 SV%, 1.96 GAA, 3 cups as a starter.. while facing a lower average SA/G and arguably lower shot quality as well). But personally, I think that's a ridiculous argument, one of which I wouldn't bring against either goalie. You don't win the cup multiple times and come out with stats like that in 10+ playoff starts by being anything less than superb, no matter what team you're on.

There are quite a few players in the HoF who had average regular seasons, but are in the Hall (deservedly so) for their spectacular playoff quality.

I like. There are just so many assumptions that are thrown around about Osgood. It's quite mind-blowing to me how easily people forget or ignore certain things. And I wonder if some people realize we've only had a cap for a few years now, let alone if they remember how much cash we were blowing on this team before the cap. Money was never an issue, and like people have said, Hasek, arguably one of the greatest goalies ever wants to come and play for you and you don't even have to give up too much in trade. $8 million? Who cares. No cap. Illitch will spend to bring in the big names. And again, just look at what he did with the Isles and Blues. Those teams were awful and he gave them an extended life they never would've had on their own and put up numbers comparable to his Detroit numbers with half the payroll and a tench of the talent Detroit had. What gives there? And remember, it's not like St. Louis let him go. It's not like they decide to sign him and the deal is done. Osgood has to agree. Osgood wanted to come back home though to the Wings and that was that. This isn't that complex.

And he's stolen plenty of games in his career. I really wonder, honestly, to some of y'all hating, have you watched every playoff game Osgood has played as a Wing? I have. I've seen numerous occasions where Osgood was lights out. Hell, I'll never forget that game 7 against the Blues in the second round back in '96. We won 1-0 in the second overtime to win the series. Osgood made highlight reel saves including one that was just as outstanding as they come. If a 1-0 double-OT game 7 win doesn't count as stealing a game (under pressure at that, this was pre-Cups too) then I don't know what does.

Again, just look at the playoff numbers. On any team, they're very, very, very impressive and for him t sustain them over such a long career even is more impressive. How many goalies come and go in this league? Osgood won Cups 10 years apart. Only Brodeur's has more among active goalies and that's on the Devils with their notoriously strong defense comparable to Detroit's. If Osgood wins the Cup this year, he'll match Brodeur in Cups as a starter. He'll likely retire in the top 5 for all-time goalie wins. You may be too bored to admit it, but those things just don't happen by some great cosmic accident. A season here or there, sure. Osgood's been successful through his entire career. Not winning the Cup every year or being the ALL TIME BEST EVER (ALJASDFASDLFERF) does not minimize that.

We'll be fine. Quote me in June.

Edited April 8, 2009 by gcom007

[Casey 145]

And he's stolen plenty of games in his career. I really wonder, honestly, to some of y'all hating, have you watched every playoff game Osgood has played as a Wing? I have. I've seen numerous occasions where Osgood was lights out. Hell, I'll never forget that game 7 against the Blues in the second round back in '96. We won 1-0 in the second overtime to win the series. Osgood made highlight reel saves including one that was just as outstanding as they come. If a 1-0 double-OT game 7 win doesn't count as stealing a game (under pressure at that, this was pre-Cups too) then I don't know what does.

Amen.

Going with recent history...

April 18, 2008. Game 5, first round against Nashville. Series tied at 2, game tied at 1 in OT.

Osgood made some unbelievable saves in that OT, opening it up for Franzen to toss in the game winner, putting it just over Ellis' shoulder on a breakaway.

Clutch enough?

April 5, 2009. Minnesota.

Third period, triple screen, Osgood makes a save off Gaborik that everybody thought was a sure goal. Flipped the glove like it was nothing and utter denial. Essentially ended Minnesota's playoff hopes with that save, and preserved the win.

Clutch enough?

[Doc Holiday 0]

Yet the Wings chose and older more expensive Hasek over their own home grown Mediocre man Osgood... why? If they were happy and confident with Osgood why? Why upgrade on something that does not need upgrading when you could spend that money else where? You're right, its not too tough to see, so LOOK AT IT! They obviously thought that they could strengthen the Goal position by ridding themselves of Osgood's sometimes ok sometimes not hockey and replacing with Dominic Hasek. They could just have easily said "No, Dom. Thanks but we are happy with Chris in net. He gets the job done for less money!", but they didn't.

If you honestly think this is a valid reason to knock Osgood, you are off your ******* rocker.

[The Secret 304]

If you honestly think this is a valid reason to knock Osgood, you are off your ******* rocker.

Off my ******* rocker..... really? This is the Detroit Red Wing organization that decided to waiver their own home grown Osgood first off. The same organization that is so loyal to its core veterans; to the point of keeping them around long after the shelf date has expired (Maltby, McCarty, Kopecky, Lebda) and possibly to the detriment of a better team. I guess their loyalty went flying out the door with Osgood when they decided to waive him and sign Hasek even though, according to the Osgood blowers, there was really absolutely no need to do so.

[Doc Holiday 0]

Off my ******* rocker..... really? This is the Detroit Red Wing organization that decided to waiver their own home grown Osgood first off. The same organization that is so loyal to its core veterans; to the point of keeping them around long after the shelf date has expired (Maltby, McCarty, Kopecky, Lebda) and possibly to the detriment of a better team. I guess their loyalty went flying out the door with Osgood when they decided to waive him and sign Hasek even though, according to the Osgood blowers, there was really absolutely no need to do so.

Kenny is loyal to his veterans, but he isn't stupid. When you have the opportunity to sign one of the best goaltenders to ever play, you do what it takes to sign him.

I guarantee you if Quincey had the potential of Ericsson, you would have seen at least one vet out the door this year to make room for the guy.

[The Secret 304]

Kenny is loyal to his veterans, but he isn't stupid. When you have the opportunity to sign one of the best goaltenders to ever play, you do what it takes to sign him.

I guarantee you if Quincey had the potential of Ericsson, you would have seen at least one vet out the door this year to make room for the guy.

So your telling me that Lebda was a better option over Quincey? Again, who is really off their rocker here? Personally had I had that choice Ledba would have been waived and Quincey would have been playing.

[Doc Holiday 0]

So your telling me that Lebda was a better option over Quincey? Again, who is really off their rocker here? Personally had I had that choice Ledba would have been waived and Quincey would have been playing.

According to training camp, he wasn't so much worse that getting rid of his experience was a good option.

Quincey was the odd man out because he underperformed. If Hasek was only marginally better than Osgood, Holland wouldn't have made the deal.

Edited April 9, 2009 by Doc Holiday

[The Secret 304]

According to training camp, he wasn't so much worse that getting rid of his experience was a good option.

Quincey was the odd man out because he underperformed. If Hasek was only marginally better than Osgood, Holland wouldn't have made the deal.

This was pre-cap right? Then why not keep them both and waive Legace?

[55fan 5,133]

This was pre-cap right? Then why not keep them both and waive Legace?

In my extremely biased opinion, that's what they should have done. Poor Manny could have gone to StL and had a stellar career. Oh, wait...

As much of an Osgood fan as I am, I understand them choosing Hasek. I admit bias on the Legace issue.

[Doc Holiday 0]

This was pre-cap right? Then why not keep them both and waive Legace?

Because they had rougly 80 million invested in their roster already. Even though there wasn't a cap, the entire point of business then still was to make money.

[egroen 384]

Off my ******* rocker..... really? This is the Detroit Red Wing organization that decided to waiver their own home grown Osgood first off. The same organization that is so loyal to its core veterans; to the point of keeping them around long after the shelf date has expired (Maltby, McCarty, Kopecky, Lebda) and possibly to the detriment of a better team. I guess their loyalty went flying out the door with Osgood when they decided to waive him and sign Hasek even though, according to the Osgood blowers, there was really absolutely no need to do so.

Hasek is the best goaltender ever. Period. If presented with the option of acquiring Hasek, and the trade stipulated that Holland needed to kick Osgood in the balls and laugh at him while he was writhing in pain before waiving him, Holland would be a horrible GM to not deliver that kick.

Edited April 9, 2009 by egroen