Feb 13, 2009 - 6:23 AM
0 shoutsBy Bill Bernardi PA SportsTicker Staff Writer
Chris Osgood's statistics weren't overly impressive on Thursday, but his mind set was commendable.
The three-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender turned aside 21 shots as the Detroit Red Wings skated to their season-high sixth straight victory, a 4-2 triumph over the Minnesota Wild.
Starting for the first time in eight days, Osgood was more efficient than spectacular, but he still made the saves when needed to post his third consecutive win and improve to 18-4-6 this season.
A closer look at the positive, however, details the negative.
Prior to Thursday's performance, Osgood had allowed three or more goals in seven straight games. In addition, his goals-against average this season has ballooned to 3.29 while his save percentage has plummeted to .880.
So while the wins are nice, the 36-year-old Osgood admitted his troubles were beginning to weigh on him.
"It's more mental than anything else," he said. "I'm going out there now without the weight of the world on my shoulders. As an athlete, you have high expectations for yourself."
Playing in "Hockeytown" has a tendency to do that. You know, four Stanley Cups in 11 seasons - and 11 titles in franchise history.
With success comes heightened expectations, which then only adds to the pressure.
"I wasn't myself off the ice," the four-time All-Star admitted. "I'm a practical joker and I try to be a good teammate, but I wasn't doing that. I was worrying too much about myself.
"When I went into the net against Nashville (on Tuesday), my mind was completely clear. That might not work for some guys, but it works for me."
And the native of Peace River, Alberta should know. With 381 career victories to his credit, Osgood is in sole possession of 12th place on the all-time list and needs four more to tie former Detroit teammate Mike Vernon for the 11th spot.
"I'm at the point in my career where I should be relaxing and having fun," Osgood said. "I was thinking about passing (Terry Sawchuk in franchise victories) and getting to 400. Those things will take care of themselves if I'm just me and go out there and play."
Count Detroit coach Mike Babcock as one person who is in Osgood's corner.
"You'd like him to get his game to the level he's capable of and take us on a great run in the playoffs. That's ideal," Babcock said. "Usually, teams that change their goalie in the first round are fishing three days later. So let's not tempt fate."
With a clear mind, Osgood hopes to clear the path toward another run at the Stanley Cup.
