Wings push Avs to the brink, take 3-0 series lead, GTDers ask: Ozzie, what’s your system?

admin — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:56:49 +0000

David Allen couldn’t ask for more. The Red Wings did a great job of getting things done (GTD) last night in Denver, outworking, outchancing and generally overwhelming the undermanned but determined Colorado Avalanche.

This wasn’t a game the Wings needed to win. But with the zen-like efficiency of focusing on that end result, this was
a game they obviously wanted to win in a series they’re now on the verge of crossing off their to-do list.

Franzen is getting a ton of coverage, as he should. But Chris Osgood is going to go down as the differentiator for the team this year. Remember when Hasek’s play in 2002 solidified the team and gave them confidence that their goalie will be there when necessary? I see the same thing happening this year. Ozzie made some big stops last night in the third period. He is obviously driving the team in front of him. Their confidence in him is only going to grow from here.

I haven’t seen the Wings this focused on results since 2002. Looking forward to closing out the Avs on Thursday night and moving on to the next context.

Wings lose 3-2, Hasek pulled, this time for good?

admin — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:31:58 +0000

I know I’m not the only one that thinks Ozzie should have been the No. 1 goalie at the start of the playoffs. But now that we’ve seen just how long it’s taking Dom to get back into form, I think Babcock might be inspired to make the change for good. Once the Preds went up 3-2 and Ozzie came in, the Wings played with more spark than we’ve seen the whole playoffs.

I’m not saying they executed well, but having Ozzie in goal seemed to put some some jump in the team’s step. On detnews.com, Wojo says:

It’s certainly not too late for the Wings to right themselves, though, and Osgood’s cool nature can provide the boost. That’s why Babcock should stick with Osgood for Game 5 Friday night at Joe Louis Arena.

I’m more inclined to think of Dom’s confidence, this quote appeared in Freep.com this morning:

“Very disappointed,” he said. “Last 60 minutes is the worst hockey I’ve played in my life. I have nothing to say about it. It’s terrible. I feel very bad about myself.”

Yes Dom, but how bad do you think the team feels? It’s unusual to see a player of this caliber implode, and maybe I’m reading too much into this, but it certainly appears that he’s lost his confidence.

If he’s lost his confidence, how do the guys playing in front of him feel?

Motor City Sports Blog » Hasek

Wings push Avs to the brink, take 3-0 series lead, GTDers ask: Ozzie, what’s your system?

Wings lose 3-2, Hasek pulled, this time for good?