Apparently, proof is needed. The question has been asked, people have doubted it. For what reason? I have no idea. There is that little bit of a bias that comes from splitting time, being undersized, and playing for the Red Wings, but let’s be honest– he’s been arguably the best goalie we’ve had since Sawchuk.
Let’s run down the list:
- 400 career wins
- 50 career shutouts
- 2.49 career goals against
- 90.5% career save percentage
Pretty solid for a guy that never really was projected as a starter in the NHL. He was a runner-up for the Vezina in his third season in the NHL, where he led the league in goals against. Even more amazing, he’s the first goaltender since Terry Sawchuk to win the Stanley Cup 10 years or more apart as a starter. And he has a goal. Hall of fame worthy right there.
Since I’m into comparisons, let’s look at Ozzie’s success against some current (or surely future) hall of famers:
- Better regular season GAA than Patrick Roy & Grant Fuhr
- Better postseason GAA than Patrick Roy
- Twice as many shutouts as Grant Fuhr
- 10th on all-time wins list, 2nd among active players
- 8th in all-time playoff wins, 2nd among active players
- 4th in all-time playoff shutouts, 2nd among active players
As an outsider, if I saw this list, I’d see a hall of famer easily. For whatever reason, people do not see him as a hall of fame candidate. Perhaps it is because of his recent struggles– but you only have to go back 2 years for his most recent William M. Jennings trophy and Stanley Cup, and a dominant 1.55 GAA in the playoffs. Let’s look at the awards:
- 3-time Stanley Cup champion
- 2-time co-winner of the William M. Jennings trophy
- 3-time all-star selection
No Vezina, but you have to think about who he’s played with his entire career– Marty Brodeur, Patrick Roy, and Dominic Hasek. And while he certainly could be considered among that list as the best of this era, he played for the Red Wings– a team that has been perenially successful in scoring, and not defense. The Devils and Avalanche? Defense. Meaning their goalies had to consistently make saves in their zones, leading to higher save percentages and lower GAA, and thus, more attention. It has been a trend that has plagued every goalie that played for the Red Wings in my recent memory.
But last night, Osgood stood on his head to prove to the world that he’s still amazing, and he’s worthy of a hall of fame spot.
Chris Osgood is an NHL hall of famer. Regardless of what his critics say, he’s been one of the best goaltenders of our lifetimes. The NHL has existed for 93 years, and he’s the tenth goalie to reach 400 career wins. He’s proven it time and time again over his lengthy career– he does not give up. He has the heart of a champion. Congratulations on #400, Ozzie.
December 31st, 2010 → 11:07
[...] now making one last addition. You can read what Doug has to say about it here. All I’ll say is this: Congrats, Ozzie. You earned it-here’s to a few more wins and [...]