Dear Chris Osgood,

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

That is not my point.

My point is that when Wings suck (and they did this at times this season) or some player in particular (Osgood this season) and someone actually say it out loud, like "this team sucks" in that very moment there will be a throng of blind homers bashing the one who wrote "this team sucks".

And that is just wrong.

But so is the person that says, "this team sucks" when they clearly don't. Do they have nights where they suck or play poorly: absolutely. Does their record indicate otherwise: Without a doubt.

Keep in mind that I'm not one of the Ozzie homers. I appreciate everything he's done, I appreciate that he stepped up his game last night, but I also agree that no player (regardless of what their name is) is immune to constructive criticism. That's the point of discussion forums.

[OsGOD 3]

Or the 15 we've already had this season.

well to be fair that was regular season... the slate is washed clean during the "real" season now

[Reds4Life 51]

It's equally wrong to say a team sucks after one bad game. I think there's a lot of miscommunication going on. If you think the particular game sucked, say so. If you think the Wings play in that game sucked - by all means, make that clear. But when someone comes in and says "This team sucks this season", you're damn right some of us are going to raise our eyebrows and wonder what planet they dropped off of.

I haven't been pleased with the play all of the regular season, but I knew the team and had enough faith in the team to not go around shouting how horrible they are. I knew they'd shape up in time because it's the Red Wings. That's all I needed to know. I could criticize their play, but I never lost my faith in them. How is a board full of people supposed to take it when people around saying "We suck, we won't make it passed the first round," etc.

There's a fine line between being realistic and calling the play for what it is and sounding like a disgruntled (I hate to use this word) bandwagon fan.. and some of the posters, when they're angry after a loss, flirt with that line pretty heavily.

Probably. I for one am not native English speaker and I come from different culutre, so some words might be more offensive to some members etc.

But so is the person that says, "this team sucks" when they clearly don't. Do they have nights where they suck or play poorly: absolutely. Does their record indicate otherwise: Without a doubt.

Keep in mind that I'm not one of the Ozzie homers. I appreciate everything he's done, I appreciate that he stepped up his game last night, but I also agree that no player (regardless of what their name is) is immune to constructive criticism. That's the point of discussion forums.

When I write "this team sucks" then it's because at the very moment they indeed suck in my humble opinion. I would never "abandon" this team and I am gonna cheer for them no matter what. But some homers are just ridiculous wihen they bash those who dare to criticize the team or god forbid use "rude" words. That is not equally wrong imho.

Edited April 17, 2009 by Reds4Life

[Dawgs 0]

With all the attention focused on Osgood by the media he can become that rallying point every team needs. The guys in front of him know they left him hanging out to dry often this past season and that alot of the bashing should be directed at them instead of the goaltender. Just listen to the pre and post games interviews. Were all sorry you have to go through this nighmare with the media, we know it was as much our fault as it was yours. Probably more. Now its time to make up for that and get the media off your back.

[clutchngrab 12]

Apparently there IS a switch located somewhere. Great first period. Its wonderful to be able to say that our goaltender outplayed the other teams goaltender.

[HOCKEY MATTERS 167]

Apparently there IS a switch located somewhere. Great first period. Its wonderful to be able to say that our goaltender outplayed the other teams goaltender.

QFT. Also, our defense outplayed theirs, too. Which is at least half of the reason we won, imho. Keep it up, boys.

[Guest lilja4mvp]

after one game?

really?

...really?

[clutchngrab 12]

So if it helps your translation... change Bandwagon to Fickle. Good thing the points in the season where he sucked were in the season and not the post season, eh?

people are too quick to jump on and off players simples as that. Ozzie played exactly as i have been saying he would in the PO's when so many FICKLE fans were doubting him.

Praise Ozzie!

Umm excuse me...There are still 15 games to win. Granted both he and the team played well for 1 game, but some of you are acting like we've won the cup. Obviously a good start is important for confidence, etc., but c'mon already lets get some perspective.

[gcom007 1,465]

Umm excuse me...There are still 15 games to win. Granted both he and the team played well for 1 game, but some of you are acting like we've won the cup. Obviously a good start is important for confidence, etc., but c'mon already lets get some perspective.

Perspective? I've got 15 years of perspective in watching Osgood play. I can tell when he's up and when he's down before the puck drops at this point. As I've been saying for awhile, he's fine and will be fine and great when it counts, just like last night. Just like he always has. No team has lost because of Chris Osgood. He'll give you a chance to win when it counts, CAN and WILL steal games and can lead this team all the way to another Cup. Again, perspective? 15 years. Hundreds of games. I'm not worried about the regular season. Come on, one regular season? Let's get some perspective...

[C-Dub 0]

Thanks. 95.2% save percentage and 1 GA? Yes sir.

May we please have some more of your awesome home cooking?

Somehow I sense the Ozzy doubters in the media will be surprisingly silent tomorrow morning

Keep up the great work,

Marcus

Time to give our boys some praise!

Amen. I wished in the interview after the game Ozzie would have given the finger to the camera to address the general media with the greeting they deserve.

Of course, that would be Un-Oz-like.

[hallelujahlogic 1]

yeahh, ozzie!

show all them hataz whatchu made of!

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

When I write "this team sucks" then it's because at the very moment they indeed suck in my humble opinion. I would never "abandon" this team and I am gonna cheer for them no matter what. But some homers are just ridiculous wihen they bash those who dare to criticize the team or god forbid use "rude" words. That is not equally wrong imho.

It goes back to tone being difficult to convey over the internet, especially with people that aren't regulars on LGW. Tone can get lost in the translation until you start to know different members' tendencies.

When I write "this team sucks" then it's because at the very moment they indeed suck in my humble opinion. I would never "abandon" this team and I am gonna cheer for them no matter what. But some homers are just ridiculous wihen they bash those who dare to criticize the team or god forbid use "rude" words. That is not equally wrong imho.

My thought is neither one is more right or wrong than the other. Blind homerism and emotional rants both fall into the same annoying category.

[Ms_Hockey 0]

after one game?

really?

...really?

It's really no different than everybody jumping on him after his first loss. Yes, it's been one game. Does that mean he doesn't deserve any sort of recognition for his play last night?

[Ms_Hockey 0]

Umm excuse me...There are still 15 games to win. Granted both he and the team played well for 1 game, but some of you are acting like we've won the cup. Obviously a good start is important for confidence, etc., but c'mon already lets get some perspective.

No, you're right. Everybody should stop congratulating Osgood for the saves he made. We should stop talking about the fact that we played a dominant game against the Blue Jackets because, after all, there's fifteen more games to win and we don't want to lose perspective by being happy at our play. The fact that we held the Blue Jackets to 8 shots through the 2nd and 3rd periods? Get over it, means nothing. The fact that we were practically a man down for the entire 1st and Osgood showed up HUGE after the kind of season he's had? Nah, he doesn't deserve a thread for that, either.

.../End sarcasm.

Edited April 17, 2009 by Ms_Hockey

[GoWings1905 2,694]

after one game?

really?

...really?

Why not? Everyone knows there would have been a thread had Ozzie not played well.

[OsGOD 3]

Umm excuse me...There are still 15 games to win. Granted both he and the team played well for 1 game, but some of you are acting like we've won the cup. Obviously a good start is important for confidence, etc., but c'mon already lets get some perspective.

D was still having episodes of shakiness (revisit opening period and stewie giving them a gift). I think this is the same perspective as those who are willing to rip him a new one (AND WILL MIND YOU) for a single loss. So really I think this congratulations is very much in persepective thank you very much.

But as i said the Playoffs are way different than the regular season and all signs right now after one game is that the ozzie of last PLAYOFFS is back in this years playoffs.

w00t... we can celebrate the cup together in mid-june

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Perspective? I've got 15 years of perspective in watching Osgood play. I can tell when he's up and when he's down before the puck drops at this point. As I've been saying for awhile, he's fine and will be fine and great when it counts, just like last night. Just like he always has. No team has lost because of Chris Osgood. He'll give you a chance to win when it counts, CAN and WILL steal games and can lead this team all the way to another Cup. Again, perspective? 15 years. Hundreds of games. I'm not worried about the regular season. Come on, one regular season? Let's get some perspective...

Perfect.

[Booster313 138]

My inital reaction was to tell everyone in this thread to relax it's just one game and to knock on wood because you don't want to jinx him. He played fantastic, but we have a long road ahead and bragging before the journey ends is potential for a lot of egg on your collective virtual faces...on the other hand people are quick to say he's done after one bad game so we might as well say he's never gonna let in another goal after a great one!

[Vladifan 680]

Jesus. Do you read the entire post, or just mine? I am objectively saying that he had a good game, but it is still one game. Osgood has had a great career....as did Bill Ranford....and playing well in one playoff game doesn't mean he's back to top form. Again, I point out, I was not bashing him, simply stating that it's a bit early to nominate him for the Conn Smythe.

I'm sure if Osgood knew your true feelings, his wife would be uncomfortable. Give it a rest.

I'm not going to respond to your posts anymore and here's why. You just cannot leave well enough alone. You just can't do it, can you? You can't just say something like:

Yes, Ozzie had a great game and I hope he's able to keep it up. PERIOD.

OR: Great game, Oz! Let's have more of 'em! PERIOD.

OR: Yes. Oz looked good tonight. PERIOD.

OR: Yeah, Oz looked ok tonight. PERIOD.

Just one short fricking declarative sentence. You and many others here always, always, ALWAYS have to add a "yeah, but". There's a bunch of you that have Ozzie-responses that are beyond predictable. They're downright boring and SO repetitive.

It's your ego that makes you keep doing that, so that if by chance, he plays badly or even iffy later you can ALWAYS come back and say something like, "See?. I told you so" in some fashion or other.

He had a great first game. I hope he keeps playing hard and gets the kind of support he did from the defense and forwards last night. I WISH HIM NUTHIN' BUT WELL. I HOPE FOR NOTHING BUT THE BEST FOR HIM PERIOD.

It's one damn game that were praising him for. YOU give it a rest and quit projecting your self-centered attitude on us and him.

Edited April 18, 2009 by Vladifan

[RedWingAbner 13]

I'm not going to respond to your posts anymore and here's why. You just cannot leave well enough alone. You just can't do it, can you? You can't just say something like:

Yes, Ozzie had a great game and I hope he's able to keep it up. PERIOD.

OR: Great game, Oz! Let's have more of 'em! PERIOD.

OR: Yes. Oz looked good tonight. PERIOD.

OR: Yeah, Oz looked ok tonight. PERIOD.

Just one short fricking declarative sentence. You and many others here always, always, ALWAYS have to add a "yeah, but". There's a bunch of you that have Ozzie-responses that are beyond predictable. They're downright boring and SO repetitive.

It's your ego that makes you keep doing that, so that if by chance, he plays badly or even iffy later you can ALWAYS come back and say something like, "See?. I told you so" in some fashion or other.

He had a great first game. I hope he keeps playing hard and gets the kind of support he did from the defense and forwards last night. I WISH HIM NUTHIN' BUT WELL. I HOPE FOR NOTHING BUT THE BEST FOR HIM PERIOD.

It's one damn game that were praising him for. YOU give it a rest and quit projecting your self-centered attitude on us and him.

First off, I am glad that I won't have to see your drivel directed at my posts. Here's a few declarative sentences:

Having an opinion is not imposing my view on you.

If you cannot understand that everything is not black and white, you are not cognitively on par with a high school graduate.

I hope Osgood does well.

I think that players, based on thermodynamics and time, do get worse as their careers go on.

(End of declaratives, for the most part.)

We don't agree. I don't take it personally. I was a Hasek supporter who realized that he couldn't cut it anymore last playoff. Does that make me a Hasek-hater? Nope. Just a fan with an opinion. If/then statements (as far as I know) are not banned on this board.

You blindly love Osgood. That's fine. When he has a good game, I expect you to be happy for him. I am too. Based on the fact that I don't simply watch to prove my point of view, I can admit when he has both good AND bad games, rather than waiting for a good game and then getting pissed because other fans aren't bending to YOUR point of view.

I can't leave well enough alone? I make little jokes about Ozzy, per my right, and you freak out. I give him credit, and it's not the way you like, and you freak out.....and I'm forcing my self-centered (which doesn't make any sense, btw) view on everyone.

It's your ego that won't let you admit that on many nights, he sucked this year. I simply pointed this out. I really don't want to be right regarding my fears that our goaltending will cost us, and if Osgood does crap the bed, I really won't feel like saying "I told you so." I don't get any prize for it. I am simply expressing an opinion, one that many fans have.

[wmubronco420 25]

Why not? Everyone knows there would have been a thread had Ozzie not played well.

Quoted for f*cking truth

[Booster313 138]

First off, I am glad that I won't have to see your drivel directed at my posts. Here's a few declarative sentences:

Having an opinion is not imposing my view on you.

If you cannot understand that everything is not black and white, you are not cognitively on par with a high school graduate.

I hope Osgood does well.

I think that players, based on thermodynamics and time, do get worse as their careers go on.

(End of declaratives, for the most part.)

We don't agree. I don't take it personally. I was a Hasek supporter who realized that he couldn't cut it anymore last playoff. Does that make me a Hasek-hater? Nope. Just a fan with an opinion. If/then statements (as far as I know) are not banned on this board.

You blindly love Osgood. That's fine. When he has a good game, I expect you to be happy for him. I am too. Based on the fact that I don't simply watch to prove my point of view, I can admit when he has both good AND bad games, rather than waiting for a good game and then getting pissed because other fans aren't bending to YOUR point of view.

I can't leave well enough alone? I make little jokes about Ozzy, per my right, and you freak out. I give him credit, and it's not the way you like, and you freak out.....and I'm forcing my self-centered (which doesn't make any sense, btw) view on everyone.

It's your ego that won't let you admit that on many nights, he sucked this year. I simply pointed this out. I really don't want to be right regarding my fears that our goaltending will cost us, and if Osgood does crap the bed, I really won't feel like saying "I told you so." I don't get any prize for it. I am simply expressing an opinion, one that many fans have.

QFT....except I still believe Hasek can cut it!

2010 Olympics baby! LOL

[RedWingAbner 13]

QFT....except I still believe Hasek can cut it!

2010 Olympics baby! LOL

Booster, I would love that to happen. Hopefully he doesn't hit a guy in the face in a roller game between now and then.

[Dimaline312000 51]

Amen, Ozzie just keep being awesome and keep helping him out skaters!!

[8 Legged RedWing 367]

Dear Ozzie,

Repeat for game 2.

Thank you