The season is over and there's a few housekeeping things from me and a look into the offseason for the Red Wings in terms of potential retirements.
Housekeeping
I find myself rather at a loss as to whom to root for in the remaining playoffs. I respect San Jose for playing a great series out and coming out on top (even if I was disappointed that it came out at the expense of my Wings). And, since I deplore hockey players who routinely dive and their teammates/fans/teams who foster the behavior, it's pretty clear that I cannot root for the Canucks. So, it's disappointing to see San Jose only marginally in the series (I truly believe if the first 4 games were played in Vancouver, San Jose would get swept). I can't help but feel extreme doubt that the Sharks are going to do anything more than take a bite out of the Canucks downtime between this series and the Stanley Cup finals.
As for TB and Boston... I'm ok with either team advancing. Boston has played well and I really dig the comeback season Tim Thomas has had. On the other hand, there is no better human interest story in the playoffs than the story of Tampa Bay. They sucked last year. They go out and get a 41 year old goaltender, an untried rookie head coach and GM and suddenly.... WOW.
They are in the finals and STILL people, players, and the media are underestimating them. I think this is working in TB's favor.
In any case, regardless of who wins, I look to Boston or TB to win it all.
Retirements
I've already talked about the imminent retirement of Mike Modano, but there are rumors (on http://www.eliteprospects.com/) that suggest two other notable potential retirees exist.
First, Kris Draper. There is no question that Draper is near the end. There's also no question that his use by the Wings has followed a similar path to that of Kirk Maltby. He saw very little time this postseason. It's pretty clear that the Wings aren't finding much use for him any more, which is too bad. Kris was never flashy. He was just gritty and reliable. A truly great defensive forward with a mean streak. He was always overshadowed in these categories by other greats... defensive forward play by Datsyuk, Federov, and others. Gritty mean streaks by Maltby and McCarty among others.
This rumor is classified as doubtful by Elite Prospects. I would suggest that Draper's time as a Red Wing may have come to an end, but I think he'll play 1-2 more seasons if he can find a team.
Last, Chris Osgood. There is no question that Osgood is right where Draper is. However, the difference I see is: Osgood's no longer consistent and reliable in net. He's lost too much due to age. He may still have the drive to play hockey and that's his choice, but there's no question that he's got nothing left to give Detroit. I'd resign MacDonald to back up Howard. If Osgood wants to be the 3rd stringer and injury backup, then alright, but at no better than league veteran. We are in the salary cap era, after all.
If I were Osgood, I'd ask what was left to prove. Osgood isn't in the position of Draper. He's not as effective as Roloson has been this year. I'm not sure if Osgood will retire, but I would if I were him. He's not doing himself any good floundering or riding the bench as he has most of the season.
He may have the fire to continue playing like Draper, but it is obvious to me that he's got nothing left to offer.
