Thank you for all the memories Ozzie.
You were my first hockey hero growing up and although i'm an adult, I still look up to you. As usual, you put the team before yourself and chose to end your HHOF career at a time that was not only appropriate for you, but most appropriate for the Detroit Red Wings. I'm not sure what the future holds for you, but know you are a Red Wing for life. I will make sure my kids know of the Great Wizard of Oz, how you could bring the Joe to a roar with every save, and how you knocked that POS Roy ON HIS ASS!
Enjoy your retirement Ozzie, you deserve it!
Edit: reading my post brings a tear to my eye. We will miss you Ozzie.
Reasons i'm optimistic:
I like the projected edge our D can now bring. With the exception of Lidstrom, every defensman is capable and likely to punish you at every opportunity.
The offense was 2nd last season, I don't see that big a drop off next year provided our new coaching staff can revamp the system we've been using since Bowman.
I do hope and expect to see Howard feed off his playoff performance and improve his regular season numbers.
Where did this guy come from? Totally off the radar until a few years ago. As dominate as Roy and Hasek were in their day. Let's hope he can put a few more years in and collect some more hardware.