281 replies to this topic

[Majsheppard]

I also want to say how much we will need to thank him in the future, as a new amateur goaltender development director/scout he will have a profound effect on the development of our future between the pipes.

We HAVE to be excited about that. Osgood, more than anyone, knows how to be mature and cool under the highest scrutiny, and knows how to tweak your game even to the point of reinvention. He will be excellent in said position.

Relax,it only proves how the other fans are jelaous and frustrated about the Wings organization

Doesn't mean I am going to put up with it, that guy is dead to me.

[Kira]

I hope he's at camp in September. I'd love a chance to talk to him.

Meantime...thanks, Chris.

Look to the stars
Soak up the sun
Walk with angels

[Zion]

[sputman]

Ozzie:

"If I could sum up my career in Detroit, I was a perfect goalie for the team at the perfect time."

wowzers!

[Detroit # 1 Fan]

Thank you for everything Chris! You were a fantastic goalie, and one day you will be in the HOF no matter what jealous fans say. Good luck in your retirement and we'll all miss you.

[commadore183]

Sucks that he's retiring as he's still near the top of his game. Either way, one of the best goalies the Wings have had in a while. You're not going to find another goalie of his caliber for the money he was making (less than $1M, I think). Thanks for the memories, Mr 400! See ya in the HHOF!

[Travis]

Sucks that he's retiring as he's still near the top of his game. Either way, one of the best goalies the Wings have had in a while. You're not going to find another goalie of his caliber for the money he was making (less than $1M, I think). Thanks for the memories, Mr 400! See ya in the HHOF!

I don't know that he's still there. The heart and, to some degree, the talent might be - but his body is beginning to betray him.

[VM1138]

Kind of sucks, because his last two seasons were really sub-par, mostly due to confidence, lack of playing time, and finally injury. I never felt he was declining quality-wise, only that he hit a rough patch. I never really felt that he just couldn't hack it anymore. Sad to see another player retiring basically due to injury. Who knows, maybe with proper conditioning and a couple years off treating the groin area right he might pull a Hasek and come back for one more run at glory.

EDIT: And I think one of the greatest legacies he leaves is not his success on the ice, but that with all the drama constantly swirling around the goaltending situation he never caused problems, and always wanted to come back to the Wings and stay with them no matter what. A true team player. I've never seen a player take so much crap and still so earnestly want to stay in the city that treated him in such a bipolar manner.

Edited by VM1138, 19 July 2011 - 11:58 AM.

[Kira]

As we well know, prophets and artists are never appreciated in their own time.

[Majsheppard]

I really wish I wasn't out of Positive votes for the day, because there are a ton of great sentiments being thrown around.

[Kira]

I'd let you borrow mine, but I don't think they'd let you. I've got a bunch of them I never used.

[WingZNut13]

Sad about this but I saw it coming, Thank you Ozzie. You are a great character, a great goalie, and someone that Detroit was fortunate to have around for so long!

So for one last time..... OZZIE! OZZIE! OZZIE! OZZIE! OZZIE!

[SouthernWingsFan]

Kind of sucks, because his last two seasons were really sub-par, mostly due to confidence, lack of playing time, and finally injury. I never felt he was declining quality-wise, only that he hit a rough patch. I never really felt that he just couldn't hack it anymore. Sad to see another player retiring basically due to injury. Who knows, maybe with proper conditioning and a couple years off treating the groin area right he might pull a Hasek and come back for one more run at glory.

EDIT: And I think one of the greatest legacies he leaves is not his success on the ice, but that with all the drama constantly swirling around the goaltending situation he never caused problems, and always wanted to come back to the Wings and stay with them no matter what. A true team player. I've never seen a player take so much crap and still so earnestly want to stay in the city that treated him in such a bipolar manner.

Just perfectly stated.

If you (as in you in general, not you specficially VM) wanted him to retire because of the health angle or because if you thought it was finally time, cool. It was going to happen much sooner than later.

But to possibly kick him to the curb in a bi-polar manner like you say or be celebrating with fireworks that he retired because of the bi-polarness or if you might not like him, if you are one of those people and I saw you face-to-face right now, I'd probably knock you upside the head.

As much as I love the Wings I absolutely cannot stand how, generally speaking, a lot of them just s**t on goalies in a beyond obsessive manner.

And Osgood didn't make one possible stink about the fans here. Didn't cause a scene and the like when they chose Hasek over him and he had to go elsewhere temporarily (and he could have easily done so which I wouldn't have blamed him because I guarantee it probably hurt him that his days in Detroit then were numbered). Didn't cause a stink with not being a full-time starter or backup his past few seasons here. He just wanted to play for the Wings. As ultimate a team player as you'll find in recent memory.

Edited by SouthernWingsFan, 19 July 2011 - 12:08 PM.

[Kira]

Well and truly spoken, my friend.

[Detroit # 1 Fan]

God bless ya Oz!

Edited by Detroit # 1 Fan, 19 July 2011 - 12:25 PM.

[Cruiser008]

One of the most underrated, loyal, and down-to-earth guys around, and someone who epitomized what it meant to be a Red Wing. Thanks for everything Ozzie!

[Gizmo]

One of the most underrated, loyal, and down-to-earth guys around, and someone who epitomized what it meant to be a Red Wing. Thanks for everything Ozzie!

Amen and Amen!!!

[IllinoisRedWingsFan]

Thanks for the memories Chris! One of the best Red Wings of all time. I know not talent wise but as a team player he was something else and I am saying that as a good thing.

[vladdy16]

EDIT: And I think one of the greatest legacies he leaves is not his success on the ice, but that with all the drama constantly swirling around the goaltending situation he never caused problems, and always wanted to come back to the Wings and stay with them no matter what. A true team player. I've never seen a player take so much crap and still so earnestly want to stay in the city that treated him in such a bipolar manner.

QFT. Also, I have never seen anyone able to shake off a bad goal or a bad game better than him.

[Majsheppard]

Oh and btw, he gets the HoF he gets his number retired. I think those are linked.