Columbus Columnist: Osgood is Wings' Weak Link

[Guest Shoreline]

One could argue that Hiller's numbers in 2 road wins vs. the #1 seeded Sharks were as impressive if not more so than Ozzie's.....also, I think the wing's offense at 4 goals a game is 2nd only to Boston. Ozzie has made some great saves, but I think there have been long periods of time in both games where he has faced a minimal amount of shots. Let me pose the question to you. 83-84 Oilers, 76-77 Canadians, 01-02 Redwings....all 3 very stong teams, correct? But like it or not, one of them is THE WEAKEST. Same analogy applies to the Redwings. Superior Offense and Defense...............Goaltending, while excellent so far, in my opinion, is just a notch below. I never said that Ozzie wasn't good....all I said is that he is the weakest of the 3 components and that if one of the 3 breaks down, in my opinion, it will be Ozzie. Is that so outrageous that it is beyond belief?

Osgood, Barney the Dinosaur, and Orko.. which is the weakest?

You sure love to go on about completely useless s***.

[soonboomer 31]

Since this team works as a unit, and is winning, only a truly brilliant person is going to sit there and talk about some ambiguous "weakest link", right? Right. Keep digging the hole deeper, pretender.

Pretender? How original. Please, continue to underwhelm me with your brilliant words of wit. Looks like anyone who questions anything about the Wings faces the wrath of those blinded by the dreaded red sunglasses.

[j.hoop 64]

:caution: :caution: :caution: :caution: :caution: :caution:

this thread amazes me

[soonboomer 31]

Osgood, Barney the Dinosaur, and Orko.. which is the weakest?

You sure love to go on about completely useless s***.

Please ignore me...I'll try to bear the pain of your banishment. And oh yea, genius, its Orca.

[Guest Shoreline]

Pretender? How original. Please, continue to underwhelm me with your brilliant words of wit. Looks like anyone who questions anything about the Wings faces the wrath of those blinded by the dreaded red sunglasses.

You're absolutely right. Real intelligent people just overlook the team being successful as a whole, instead just harp on flaws and look for the "worst" aspect of it. I must have been blinded by those red sunglasses again.

Please ignore me...I'll try to bear the pain of your banishment. And oh yea, genius, its Orca.

Oh I will. However, it's Orko, since we're talking about a cartoon character, not the sea animal. Try to follow along.

Edit: And I go back to look at your posts and can see all you've done since you've joined is crap all over Osgood. Why am I not surprised in the least bit about this. Shoo troll boy. Your bridge is calling.

Edited April 20, 2009 by Shoreline

[soonboomer 31]

You're absolutely right. Real intelligent people just overlook the team being successful as a whole, instead just harp on flaws and look for the "worst" aspect of it. I must have been blinded by those red sunglasses again.

Oh I will. However, it's Orko, since we're talking about a cartoon character, not the sea animal. Try to follow along.

Edit: And I go back to look at your posts and can see all you've done since you've joined is crap all over Osgood. Why am I not surprised in the least bit about this. Shoo troll boy. Your bridge is calling.

Figures that someone of your intellect would be into cartoons. Give me an example of a post of mine where I've crapped all over Ozzie. Or do you just make blanket ignorant statements without any factual back-up? What are you, a little 13 year old girl or something? I figure that with maybe 2 or 3 more exchanges, you'll be mentally bankrupt anyway. Now, you're dismissed.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

soonboomer and Shoreline, if you want to continue the pissing match take it to the PM's please.

As for the debate you two started off having, I'll throw in my two cents. I can understand people stating that the big question mark that surrounded this team heading into the playoffs was Ozzie given his play all season. Now, anyone that doesn't realize that Oz has stepped up in the past when it counts is merely delusional, but to say that there was zero concern over his play heading into the playoffs was a stretch claim for anyone to make. I don't doubt what Oz has done in the past, but sometimes people cling to those hopes when a players' time has come for them to move on. Cleary, *currently* this isn't the case for Ozzie.

Now that being said, I can understand the logic behind what soonboomer was stating that when you compare Ozzie to this current Red Wings offense and defense, one could make the argument that the talent level of those two groups does exceed that of Ozzie's. On the other hand, its also easy to defend Ozzie and point to his career numbers as a reason he isn't the weak link. While I appreciate what players do for the Wings in the past, I also care more about what they are doing for the team right now. Right now, its hard to call Ozzie the weak link based on his current play. If anyone wants to base that statement on this past regular season, its more than justified. That being said, again....his current level of play puts him right there with the capability of the offense and defense.

[soonboomer 31]

soonboomer and Shoreline, if you want to continue the pissing match take it to the PM's please.

As for the debate you two started off having, I'll throw in my two cents. I can understand people stating that the big question mark that surrounded this team heading into the playoffs was Ozzie given his play all season. Now, anyone that doesn't realize that Oz has stepped up in the past when it counts is merely delusional, but to say that there was zero concern over his play heading into the playoffs was a stretch claim for anyone to make. I don't doubt what Oz has done in the past, but sometimes people cling to those hopes when a players' time has come for them to move on. Cleary, *currently* this isn't the case for Ozzie.

Now that being said, I can understand the logic behind what soonboomer was stating that when you compare Ozzie to this current Red Wings offense and defense, one could make the argument that the talent level of those two groups does exceed that of Ozzie's. On the other hand, its also easy to defend Ozzie and point to his career numbers as a reason he isn't the weak link. While I appreciate what players do for the Wings in the past, I also care more about what they are doing for the team right now. Right now, its hard to call Ozzie the weak link based on his current play. If anyone wants to base that statement on this past regular season, its more than justified. That being said, again....his current level of play puts him right there with the capability of the offense and defense.

Well stated Mac..........finally an intelligent and thoughtful response to my post.........I'll agree to let sleeping dogs lie.

[ltgator333 3]

soonboomer and Shoreline, if you want to continue the pissing match take it to the PM's please.

As for the debate you two started off having, I'll throw in my two cents. I can understand people stating that the big question mark that surrounded this team heading into the playoffs was Ozzie given his play all season. Now, anyone that doesn't realize that Oz has stepped up in the past when it counts is merely delusional, but to say that there was zero concern over his play heading into the playoffs was a stretch claim for anyone to make. I don't doubt what Oz has done in the past, but sometimes people cling to those hopes when a players' time has come for them to move on. Cleary, *currently* this isn't the case for Ozzie.

Now that being said, I can understand the logic behind what soonboomer was stating that when you compare Ozzie to this current Red Wings offense and defense, one could make the argument that the talent level of those two groups does exceed that of Ozzie's. On the other hand, its also easy to defend Ozzie and point to his career numbers as a reason he isn't the weak link. While I appreciate what players do for the Wings in the past, I also care more about what they are doing for the team right now. Right now, its hard to call Ozzie the weak link based on his current play. If anyone wants to base that statement on this past regular season, its more than justified. That being said, again....his current level of play puts him right there with the capability of the offense and defense.

That's about what I was gonna say and I didn't have to type it!

[Guest Shoreline]

soonboomer and Shoreline, if you want to continue the pissing match take it to the PM's please.

As for the debate you two started off having, I'll throw in my two cents. I can understand people stating that the big question mark that surrounded this team heading into the playoffs was Ozzie given his play all season. Now, anyone that doesn't realize that Oz has stepped up in the past when it counts is merely delusional, but to say that there was zero concern over his play heading into the playoffs was a stretch claim for anyone to make. I don't doubt what Oz has done in the past, but sometimes people cling to those hopes when a players' time has come for them to move on. Cleary, *currently* this isn't the case for Ozzie.

Now that being said, I can understand the logic behind what soonboomer was stating that when you compare Ozzie to this current Red Wings offense and defense, one could make the argument that the talent level of those two groups does exceed that of Ozzie's. On the other hand, its also easy to defend Ozzie and point to his career numbers as a reason he isn't the weak link. While I appreciate what players do for the Wings in the past, I also care more about what they are doing for the team right now. Right now, its hard to call Ozzie the weak link based on his current play. If anyone wants to base that statement on this past regular season, its more than justified. That being said, again....his current level of play puts him right there with the capability of the offense and defense.

Ozzie's play during the season was indicative of the team's play during the season. Good enough to win games, with a few question marks. That's really it.

Of course, Ozzie has played well enough in the playoffs to logically eliminate concerns, except from a few, sky-is-falling people or negative nancies who wish to focus extensively on (non-existent) bad things at the wrong time. The article is just to give Jax fans (or Ozzie doubters) a boost and underrate Ozzie.

Edited April 20, 2009 by Shoreline

[TheOwl 77]

We need to put everything in perspective. Osgood did have a terrible regular season, easily blowing at least half the games he played single handedly. He played good in Game's 1 and 2, but remember it's Columbus, and our D is playing a lot better. Osgood looks really good because the defense is really good. We'll have to wait until a team with some real offense takes over a game, and see how Osgood holds up. When the puck is only in your end of the ice for 20% of the game, you don't need to be fantastic. But we'll have to wait and see how he does. I'm not hating here, I'm just saying we shouldn't assume Osgood's game is back to 100% until we get a team who can actually turn it up (Anaheim most likely).

Edited April 20, 2009 by TheOwl

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

Link headline at nhl dot calm:

"Malkin, Osgood top playoff stats leaders ".

[Dabura 12,232]

Osgood looks really good because the defense is really good.

Osgood looks good because he's playing damn good hockey. The D is helping the cause, naturally, but his individual effort thus far has been fantastic.

[soonboomer 31]

We need to put everything in perspective. Osgood did have a terrible regular season, easily blowing at least half the games he played single handedly. He played good in Game's 1 and 2, but remember it's Columbus, and our D is playing a lot better. Osgood looks really good because the defense is really good. We'll have to wait until a team with some real offense takes over a game, and see how Osgood holds up. When the puck is only in your end of the ice for 20% of the game, you don't need to be fantastic. But we'll have to wait and see how he does. I'm not hating here, I'm just saying we shouldn't assume Osgood's game is back to 100% until we get a team who can actually turn it up (Anaheim most likely).

Better watch the blasphemy Owl! Everybody knows that Ozzie's regular season play was indicative of the rest of the team. I read it somewhere so it has to be true. It's common knowledge that any team that wins 51 games and gets 112 points during the regular season does so as much because of goaltending with a 3+ gaa average and a save percentage of just south of 88% as it does with the skills of such hacks as Z, Pavel, Hossa, Lidstrom etc etc etc. If you dont stop with such outlandish posts, I'll be forced to ignore you.

[Dabura 12,232]

Oh, give it a rest.

[mjlegend 155]

Link headline at nhl dot calm:

"Malkin, Osgood top playoff stats leaders ".

Of course the NHL lists the Penguins guy first.

[Guest Shoreline]

Osgood looks good because he's playing damn good hockey. The D is helping the cause, naturally, but his individual effort thus far has been fantastic.

Careful, saying anything good about Ozzie means you have red colored sunglasses.

[Datsyerberger 279]

Given not just these last 2 games but the fact that Osgood is arguably the most consistent and successful playoff goaltender since Roy's heyday (primary competition there being Brodeur; Osgood has NEVER posted as bad of post season numbers as Brodeur did in 03-04, however)... yea, goaltending doesn't even come near to our weakest link. #1 is most likely motivation, which doesn't seem to be an issue right now.

[Dynheart 42]

I never understood the "ozzie is only good because the defense is good" argument. Put any goalie in the league in front of a poor defensive core and watch their stats stumble. Sure some goalies can steal games, and those are few and far between. But people forget that these are the exception, not the rule. It's a team sport, not a goalie show. It's the up to the defense to make sure the goalie doesn't need to jump across the crease at 200MPH to make a save. Those are based off luck, but we all know you make your own luck through skill...but even the bestest of the beset goalies will let in 8 maybe 7 out of 10 cross crease one timers.

I think ozzie does well for himself considering one of the biggest flaw in his game that isn't his fault...his build. He's not what you would call the ideal goalie build. 5ft 10 and barely breaking 180lbs. Taking this into consideration, I think he doesn an exceptional job. Take a goalie with the same skill and athletic prowess and give one a 60lb and 6-7 inch more than the other...who will preform better? The choice is obvious. Also (with the exception with this year, ozzie was in some type of funk), I think ozzies stats suffer because he's on the wings. 20-25 shots faced a night, and a good 10+ are really good scoring chances (if the opposition can get past detriots defense enough to get to the crease, it's most likley a high scoring chance). Giving the physical limitations/age and aybe just not being broduer as far as skill, these scoring chances will go through half the time. 20 shots, 10+ high scoring chances and lets in 3...his stats will obviously suffer (this is though out his 15 year career, though...this year excluded).

What more seem to forget is that Ozzie has this uncanny knack to be able to turn it on to almost a patrick roy level of play in the playoffs. Don't know how, I don't really want to question it. Fact is he comes through when needed most. his 3 cups, 2 as a starter, prove that. Sad thing is most will even frown upon that accomlishment because he hasn't won 10+ already with the wings.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Ozzie's play during the season was indicative of the team's play during the season. Good enough to win games, with a few question marks. That's really it.

Of course, Ozzie has played well enough in the playoffs to logically eliminate concerns, except from a few, sky-is-falling people or negative nancies who wish to focus extensively on (non-existent) bad things at the wrong time. The article is just to give Jax fans (or Ozzie doubters) a boost and underrate Ozzie.

No, Ozzie's play during the season was *similar* to the *defenses* play during the season. The offense fired on all cylinders the entire season. I'm not about to coddle the defense or Ozzie and say their level of play was acceptable by the standards they've both set over the course of the past decade plus, but I will say that its somewhat understandable given the Stanley Cup hangover and how talented the team is.

Now that being said, both Ozzie and the defense have greatly stepped it up the past 2 games which is great to see and what most thought was possible. Again, Ozzie's current level of play puts him right there with the offense and defense, but only given this past regular season to look at even Ozzie fans likely would've ranked the three areas of the team with these ranks: (1st) Offense, (Distant 2nd) Defense, (Close 3rd) Goaltending.

If I understood soonboomer correctly, that was the point of his post.

[OsGOD 3]

With Ozzie we win in the playoffs... if he is the weakest link then by all mean fire it up and build this playoff team on weak links... We are 2 and 0 they are 0 and 2

Go OZZIE!

[55fan 5,133]

Strongest link: Offense.

2nd strongest: Defense.

3rd strongest: Goaltending.

Weakest: Beer prices. (If beer were cheaper, the fans would drink more and yell louder, thus inspiring the team even more.)

Now if you want to eliminate the last, Ozzie is the weakest link, but I have about 39475 other things I can throw in between Ozzie and ticket prices. I just won't bore you with them.

If you think I'm bashing Ozzie, consider that I would put Karen Newman's cleavage as a weaker link than Ozzie, and we all know how popular that is.

Ozzie's been great. As an Ozzie fan, I'm loving it.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

With Ozzie we win in the playoffs... if he is the weakest link then by all mean fire it up and build this playoff team on weak links... We are 2 and 0 they are 0 and 2

Go OZZIE!

I completely agree with this. While Ozzie showed his first sense of getting annoyed with the media this past week, all anyone should really care about is that Ozzie gives the Wings the performance they need to win games. Not only has he done that thus far (and through a great portion of career), he was their best player during the first period of Game 1.

[gcom007 1,465]

Strongest link: Offense.

2nd strongest: Defense.

3rd strongest: Goaltending.

Weakest: Beer prices. (If beer were cheaper, the fans would drink more and yell louder, thus inspiring the team even more.)

Now if you want to eliminate the last, Ozzie is the weakest link, but I have about 39475 other things I can throw in between Ozzie and ticket prices. I just won't bore you with them.

If you think I'm bashing Ozzie, consider that I would put Karen Newman's cleavage as a weaker link than Ozzie, and we all know how popular that is.

Ozzie's been great. As an Ozzie fan, I'm loving it.

YES!!!!!!!!!! The most true statement in the thread.

[Husker BigGuy 0]

Seriously, is it all Ozzie stepping up, or is there a different face on the whole defense?

Osgood is facing far fewer rebound chances than usual, and Lidstrom has made Rick Nash look like Joe Thornton (or Alex Rodriguez) at playoff time.

BJ fans are calling the RW defense, besides Osgood, "a force field."