Terry Foster's Blog: The Red Wings Game Sunday Against The Dallas Stars Is A Must Win For The Team
It is a must win for the players. It is a must win for the fans and more importantly it is a must win for Wings goalie Chris Osgood. Players stepped up for Osgood while asking coach Mike Babcock to delay his start 48 hours so he could have an opportunity to win his 400th career game at home at Joe Louis Arena.
Babcock wanted to play Osgood Friday on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks. Players, including captain Nick Lidstrom, asked him to give Ozzie a chance at home.
It was a good gesture and it is exactly what the home fans want to see. But now the players and Osgood need to back it up. It is pretty clear that Babcock does not believe in Osgood. There is some reason for it. He has finally got his save percentage above .900 for the first time in three seasons.
He has been burned out and lets in bad goals. He is not what he used to be.
If this switch does not work out you can bet that Babcock will play the "I told you so card" and who knows when Osgood will get another shot. Who knows when he will abide by players' wishes again. So it is important that the Wings play a great game, Ozzie plays a great game and the fans are as loud as they are during playoff games.
Babcock does not understand how important Osgood is to fans here and quite frankly does not care.
That is why it is time for everybody to step up and make this a memorable game.
