The Ozzman Rules in Game 2 of the WC Playoffs

Veteran Red Wing Netminder, (30) Chris Osgood made a statement this evening, as the Defending Stanley Cup Champions defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0. It was Osgood's 61st playoff victory and his 14th playoff shutout, which ties him for fourth on the NHL's career postseason shutout list, along with teammate Dominik Hasek, Ed Belfour and Jacques Plante. The Detroit Red Wings now hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the first-round Western Conference series as the teams head south, to Columbus, Ohio for a Tuesday meeting.

I have to be honest, it wasn't always this positive in Hockeytown-or even in my own home. Osgood has had the worst season of his 15 years in the NHL and his Goals Against Avg. and Save Percentage were considered mediocre, at best. But through it all...Ozzie has maintained that we, "Wait until the playoffs." I've never been a bandwagon fan of Chris Osgood, that is to say I have always been a fan of this man....at his best, as well as his worst.

At the conclusion of last season's Stanley Cup Championship battle, Osgood should have silenced his detractors, but that has never been the case. For as long as Ozzie has been in goal, he has had an uphill battle to prove himself worthy....to be named among the sport's best....and somehow, it has eluded him. Truth be told, however, he did not help himself with lackluster performances throughout the 08-09 Season.

As we head into Game 3 of the first round, you can bet I'll be watching, along with my entire Hockeytown-Crazy Family members....Wife and Kids included. GO WINGS!!!