Chris Osgood

Lore & Background

Osgood was drafted by the Red Wings in 1991 and made his NHL debut in the 1993–94 season. He became the fourth goaltender to play for Detroit that season, and after a trade of starter Tim Cheveldae, Osgood was named the primary goaltender for the playoffs. In the deciding game against the San Jose Sharks, a clearing attempt by Osgood landed on an opponent's stick, leading to the winning goal; the young goaltender wept at his stall afterward. The Red Wings then acquired veteran Mike Vernon, and Osgood served as backup for the 1994–95 season, reaching the Stanley Cup Final. The following season, Osgood led the NHL in goals against average and wins, was a Vezina Trophy runner-up, and shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with Vernon. He scored a goal on March 6, 1996, against the Hartford Whalers, becoming the second goaltender to directly shoot the puck into the net.

Reader's Guide

Osgood's career is defined by his three Stanley Cup wins with the Red Wings, a feat that places him among the most successful goaltenders in franchise history. After being traded to the New York Islanders and later the St. Louis Blues, he returned to Detroit in 2005 and regained form, ultimately starting and winning the Stanley Cup in 2008. His 401 regular-season wins rank 13th all-time in NHL history. Osgood was the last NHL goaltender to wear a traditional player's helmet and cage combination instead of a one-piece goalie mask, a distinction that lasted until 2011. He is also one of only nine goaltenders to score a goal by shooting the puck directly into the opponent's net. After retiring, he became a studio analyst and part-time color commentator for FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, continuing his association with the Red Wings.

Did You Know?

• Chris Osgood scored a goal on March 6, 1996, against the Hartford Whalers, becoming the second goaltender in NHL history to directly shoot the puck into the opponent's net.
• Osgood won three Stanley Cup championships with the Detroit Red Wings, in 1997, 1998, and 2008.
• He is ranked 13th in NHL regular season history with 401 wins.