Update (2:55 PM): Dave Dye has the rest of Babcock’s quote, which pretty puts it back to where things were before: Osgood’s the starter unless something changes. - Matt
Update (2:39 PM): Okay, so the situation may be a bit less certain than Khan let on. Helene St. James’ quote from Babcock (Khan paraphrased) has words like “pretty sure” going with her own “expects.” So the ambiguity remains. Sort of. - Matt
Update (2:28 PM): My wife reminds me via email that she said last night “Osgood owes Conklin a drink.” I’d say so!
She also points out the aspect of the players-only meeting I neglected to mention: the implication that it was Lidstrom who called it. If they end up turning this thing around, remember this moment when people start questioning Lidstrom’s leadership. Steve Yzerman he is not (no one is), but he wears the “C” for a reason. - Matt
After last night, this is about as surprising as a Samuelsson missed hold-in attempt, but Chris Osgood was named the starter for the playoffs by Babcock today.
Here’s hoping the official end of what little ambiguity on this issue there was will be enough for Oz go overcome the mental issues he’s had this season and trigger another stellar run.
Also, the players had a team meeting before practice today and were put through sprints by Babock at the end of the skate. We’re probably not talking Miracle sprints, but I think it’s pretty safe to say that things’ll be different Sunday.
And Kopecky hurt his shoulder during the game, though he doesn’t think it’s serious. He may skate tomorrow.