Dominik Hasek

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Lore & Background

Hašek's time in Buffalo was marked by both brilliance and conflict. In the 1996–97 season, his success was overshadowed by a conflict with head coach Ted Nolan, creating a tense, clique-like atmosphere in the Sabres' clubhouse. During game three of the first-round playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, Hašek removed himself in the second period with a mild sprain of his right MCL. The team doctor pronounced him day-to-day, but the media and some teammates speculated he was using the injury to bail out on the team. After a loss in game five, Buffalo News columnist Jim Kelley approached Hašek for an interview, and Hašek physically attacked the journalist, receiving a three-game suspension and a $10,000 fine. With Steve Shields in goal, the Sabres took the series in seven games, but Hašek did not play in the following series against the Philadelphia Flyers, which Buffalo lost in five games. Though general manager John Muckler was fired for feuding with Nolan, Hašek sided with Muckler and stated during the 1997 NHL Awards ceremony that the team would benefit from replacing Nolan. Nolan rejected a one-year contract extension and left the franchise, leading many fans to blame Hašek for Nolan's departure. For the first six weeks of the next season, Hašek was booed so vigorously that arena workers played tapes of a crowd cheering to help balance it out.

In Their Own Story

As the 1997–98 season progressed, the booing of Hašek ceased. He posted a league-record seven shutouts in December and continued to play at an elite level. He won the Vezina Trophy again, as well as the Lester B. Pearson Award and the Hart Trophy as league MVP. He became one of the few goaltenders in NHL history to win the Hart Trophy. Hašek is the only goalie to face the most shots per 60 minutes and have the highest save percentage in the same season, which he achieved twice (1996 and 1998) playing for the Sabres. His unorthodox style—best known for his concentration, foot speed, flexibility, and unconventional saves, such as covering the puck with his blocker rather than his trapper—made him a nightmare for opponents. He holds the record for highest NHL career save percentage (0.9223) and is seventh (first in the modern era) in goals against average (2.202). He also has the third-highest NHL single-season save percentage (0.9366 in 1998–99).

Reader's Guide

To understand Hašek's impact in Buffalo, focus on his statistical dominance and his unique style. From 1993 to 2001, he won six Vezina Trophies, the most under the award's current system of voting for the best individual goaltender. In 1998 he won his second consecutive Hart Memorial Trophy, the only goaltender to win that award more than once. His save percentage and goals against average numbers remain among the best in NHL history. His style was considered unorthodox, leading to his being labeled as a "flopper." He was best known for his concentration, foot speed, flexibility, and unconventional saves. Key moments include his league-record seven shutouts in December 1997 and his physical attack on journalist Jim Kelley in 1997. Culturally, Hašek's era transformed the Sabres identity, making him an icon who represented resilience. His number was retired by the Buffalo Sabres in 2015.

Did You Know?

• Hašek is the only goaltender to win the Hart Memorial Trophy more than once, winning it in 1997 and 1998.
• He is the only goalie to face the most shots per 60 minutes and have the highest save percentage in the same season, achieving this twice (1996 and 1998) with the Sabres.
• Hašek holds the record for highest NHL career save percentage (0.9223).
• He posted five shutouts in December 1997, a career-high for a single month.
• Hašek was booed so vigorously at home after the Ted Nolan conflict that arena workers played tapes of a crowd cheering to help balance it out.