Report: Red Wings G Osgood avoids trip on IR

Dec 24, 2008 - 5:59 AM DETROIT (Ticker) -- Detroit Red Wings goaltender Chris Osgood will not miss an extended period of time while nursing a lingering groin injury, according to a published report on Tuesday.

The Detroit Free Press said Osgood will not have to go on long-term injured reserve, which would have required him to be out at least 10 games or 24 days.

After practicing with the team on Tuesday, Osgood estimated that he will be ready to play Saturday at Colorado, according to the report.

"I feel good," Osgood told the newspaper. "I'm not going to go on the IR. I actually felt really good. I was really rested. I hadn't done anything for a week, so I've just got to get some practices in.

"I should be ready to go after Christmas, for sure."

A native of Peace River, Alberta, Osgood went 27-9-4 with a 2.09 goals-against average last season to backstop Detroit to the Presidents' Trophy for the NHL's best record. He then posted a 1.55 GAA in 19 playoff games to help the Red Wings clinch their first title since 1998.

His production has declined a bit this season, though. Despite a favorable 12-2-4 record, Osgood's GAA has ballooned to 3.19 while his save percentage has plummeted to .876.

Osgood is 375-197-19 with 66 ties and a 2.45 GAA in 683 contests with the Red Wings, New York Islanders and St. Louis Blues over his 15-year career.

He recently passed John Vanbiesbrouck for sole possession of 12th place on the all-time wins list and needs 10 more to tie Mike Vernon for the 11th spot.

The 36-year-old Osgood has won three Stanley Cup championships with the Red Wings and has been elected to play in four All-Star games.