Red Wings goalie Osgood enjoys starring role against Pens

By Steve Keating

DETROIT (Reuters) - After opening the Stanley Cup finals with back-to-back shutouts against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit netminder Chris Osgood is already in prime position to be named the most valuable player of the post-season.

However, as far as the Penguins are concerned, Osgood should also be up for Academy Award consideration for his acting.

Twice during the Red Wings 3-0 win on the Monday, Osgood drew penalties from Pittsburgh, collapsing to the ice following run-ins with Penguins around his net.

After reviewing footage, Pittsburgh coach Michel Therrien accused Osgood of diving, giving the netminder's performance two thumbs down.

"We took two penalties tonight on the goalie," an angry Therrien told reporters.

"We ever take penalties to the goalie in the playoffs. I reviewed those calls, he's a good actor. He's diving. He took away our powerplay.

"It's tough to play the game. He did it against Dallas. Want to talk about experience, he knows what to do."

Bad acting or good goaltending, Osgood has been outstanding when called upon during the Stanley Cup finals recording a 4-0 shutout in Game One before blanking Pittsburgh 3-0 in Game Two, stopping 22 shots.

Osgood became just the fourth player to open the finals with back-to-back shutouts and the first since New Jersey Devils Martin Brodeur in 2003.

The 35-year-old netminder also improved his finals record to a sparkling 6-0 after winning all four games of Detroit's sweep of the Washington Capitals in 1998 Cup finals.

"It doesn't concern me, I've been called worse," Osgood said when told about Therrien's accusations.

"I'm not concerned about it, the moment the buzzer goes it's out of my head.

"I'm more concerned about the next game than this game."

The Penguins will get a chance to score their first goal of finals when the best-of-seven series shifts from the Motor City to Steeltown for Games Three and Four on Wednesday and Saturday.

(Editing by John O'Brien)