Dominik Hasek
The Dominator: A legendary goaltender who redefined the position.
Dominik Hašek (Czech: [ˈdomɪnɪk ˈɦaʃɛk], ; born 29 January 1965) is a Czech former ice hockey player who was a goaltender for 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), mostly for the Buffalo Sabres. Widely considered to be among the greatest goaltenders in history, Hašek also played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Ottawa Senators in his NHL career before finishing his career in Europe. While in Buffalo, he became one of the league's finest goaltenders, earning him the nickname "The Dominator". His strong play has been credited with establishing European goaltenders in a league previously dominated by North Americans. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, both with the Red Wings, winning his first as the starting goaltender in his first season with the team in 2002, and his second in 2008 as the team's backup in his last NHL season.
- Role
- Starting Goaltender
- Affiliation
- Buffalo Sabres (1992–2001)
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Famer
- Legacy Title
- The Dominator
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Hašek was one of the league's most successful goaltenders of the 1990s and early 2000s. From 1993 to 2001, he won six Vezina Trophies, the most by any goaltender in NHL history. In 1998 he won his second consecutive Hart Memorial Trophy, the only goaltender to win that award more than once. During the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, he led the Czech national ice hockey team to its first and only Olympic gold medal. The feat made him a popular figure in his home country and prompted hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to call him "the best player in the game". While with the Red Wings in 2002, Hašek became the first European-trained starting goaltender to win the Stanley Cup. In the process, he set a record for shutouts in a postseason year.
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
Hašek was considered an unorthodox goaltender, with a distinct style that led to his being labeled as a "flopper". He was best known for his concentration, foot speed, flexibility, and unconventional saves, such as covering the puck with his blocker rather than his trapper. Hašek 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), behind Tim Thomas in 2010–11 and Brian Elliott's 0.940 in 2011–12. 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.
Did You Know?
- Hašek won six Vezina Trophies from 1993 to 2001.
- He is the only goaltender to win the Hart Memorial Trophy more than once (1997 and 1998).
- Hašek led the Czech Republic to its first Olympic gold medal in ice hockey at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
- He holds the NHL record for highest career save percentage (.9223).
- Hašek is the only goalie to face the most shots per 60 minutes and have the highest save percentage in the same season, achieved twice (1996 and 1998) with the Sabres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dominik Hasek?
He was the legendary starting goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres from 1992 to 2001, widely known by his nickname 'The Dominator'. His unique style and incredible saves made him one of the greatest goalies in NHL history.
What jersey number did Hasek wear?
Hasek wore number 37 during his entire tenure with Buffalo, which is now retired by the franchise to honor his legacy. This number remains iconic among Sabres supporters who remember his prime years.
Why is Dominik Hasek important to the Sabres?
His presence saved the franchise's soul during a difficult era and brought them to their highest level of success in modern history. He won multiple Vezina Trophies while anchoring a competitive Eastern Conference squad.
What was Dominik Hasek's playing style like?
Fans remember him for his erratic but brilliant movements, often dropping to the ice with incredible agility to stop shots. This unconventional approach terrified opposing forwards and defined goaltending in the 1990s.
Is Dominik Hasek still active in hockey?
Dominik Hasek is a retired Hall of Famer whose contributions are celebrated as the pinnacle of the Sabres' modern achievements. His story ends with a legacy that continues to inspire current generations of hockey fans in Buffalo.
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