It’s official: one of the most polarizing sports figures in Detroit history has finally decided to hang them up. No, I’m not talking about Brandon Inge. Chris Osgood, the lightning rod for determining NHL Hall-of-Fame goaltender status, retired yesterday and will join the Red Wings’ front office.
Was Ozzie maddening at times? Yes, but he also brought home two Stanley Cups. Most attribute this to the talent around him, saying that the Wings won these titles “in spite of” Osgood, but if that’s the case then why didn’t Manny Legace and Curtis Joseph bring home championships as well? Osgood was an integral part of both of his Cup runs, especially the 2008 title when he replaced Dominik Hasek midway through the first round against Nashville.
Ozzie’s 401 wins rank 10th all time, but the most memorable moment of his career might have been the fight that endeared him to the Red Wings fanbase for the rest of his career.
Is Osgood a Hall of Famer? That’s another debate for another time, but feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
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