Chris Osgood: The Ultimate Story Of Redemption

Once again the Detroit Red Wings will be heading into the Western Conference finals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They accomplished that with a game 7 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.

One play that stood out was early in the game, goaltender Chris Osgood made a great save. He went across the net and clearly robbed Anaheim of a 1-0 lead. That save set the tone for the game. After the play, fans were chanting, "OZZIE, OZZIE, OZZIE,..." It is clear that this guy is loved in Detroit.

It wasn't always that way. When Osgood was a rookie he was very popular. Most Red Wing fans had seen all they could take of Tim Cheveldae at goalie. Osgood was the young guy who could take the Wings deep into the playoffs after many early exits in prior years.

Then in the first round, Osgood gives up a really bad goal in game 7 against the San Jose Sharks. Once again, Wing fans were disappointed. Most fans still supported Osgood though. They figured he is a rookie he will learn. Still the Red Wings signed veteran Mike Vernon.

With Vernon in net, the Wings the went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals but were swept by the New Jersey Devils. The following year Osgood and Vernon really were goalie by committee. They went to the Western Conference Finals but lost in six to the Colorado Avalanche. That sparked the greatest rivalry in hockey.

The following year Osgood really took over being the number one goalie during the regular season. However he struggled against the St. Louis Blues who were their first round opponent. Therefore Scotty Bowman went with Vernon. He played so great in that series that Bowman left him in. The Wings finally won the Stanley Cup that year.

Now fans were beginning to question whether or not Osgood would be a great goalie or not. He has had a few years by now and had yet to really establish himself.

The next year Vernon was gone. Osgood was finally the uncontested starting goaltender. Although Wings fans were skeptical, they did win their second straight Stanley Cup. However, most were saying that it wasn't because of Osgood.

The years that followed involved inconsistent play by Osgood and early exits from the playoffs. The city of Detroit had really turned on Osgood who eventually lost the starting job to Manny Legace.

Then the Red Wings sign Dominck Hasik and Osgood is traded away. The Wings win the Cup once again. Wing fans are now saying all that was holding us back was the goalie.

The Dominator then retired for a year. The Wings signed Curtis Joseph who ended up being a bit of a disappointment. A year later Hasik returns. The Wings have a three headed monster at goalie with Legace, Hasik, and Joseph. Needless to say they didn't go very far.

Then the lock out year hits. When hockey returns Legace is the starter but Osgood was brought back as the back up. Another disapointing year and Legace was soon out.

The dominator was again returned and was the goalie during the season. Then he has a couple bad games in the playoffs and here comes Osgood.

Osgood played better than ever. The Wings won their fourth cup in recent years. Throughout the whole playoffs fans were chanting for Osgood.

Half way through this playoff season, it is clear that Osgood has really won the city over. I see fans chanting his name. I feel like asking some of them it they were the same ones who ran him out of Detroit the first time.

One way or another the Chris Osgood story is definitely one to feel good about. It is not only about redemption but also about not giving up.