Feb 15, 2006 11:54 am US/Central
Hasek Injured In Czech Republic's Opener
TURIN, Italy (AP) ―
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Ottawa Senators Goalie Dominik Hasek (File)
AP
Goalie Dominik Hasek, who starred in the Czech Republic's surprise victory in the 1998 Olympics, left Wednesday's round-robin opener against Germany in the first period with an apparent leg injury.
Hasek, one of the NHL's top goaltenders for years, grimaced in pain as he spread his legs to stop a shot during a German power play about six minutes into the game. He didn't face another shot for the next few minutes, but left the ice when play stopped 9 1/2 minutes into the period.
After consulting briefly on the bench with the Czech coaches, Hasek was taken to a locker room to be examined by physicians. He returned to the bench area late in the period, a towel draped around his neck.
Losing the 41-year-old Hasek would be a major blow to the Czechs, who are seen as favorite Canada's biggest challenger for the gold medal in Turin.
Because Olympic teams must play five games in eight days during round-robin play and another three to win a medal, even a minor injury can sideline a player for all or most of the tournament.
Hasek, who now plays for the Ottawa Senators, is a six-time winner of the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goalie. He also won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's MVP in 1997 and 1998 and led the Detroit Red Wings to the 2002 Stanley Cup.
Hasek has been troubled by groin injuries in recent years but has played 43 games this season. His 2.09 goals-against average is one of the lowest in the league.
(© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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