from Stephen Whyno of the CP at the Vancouver Sun,
Dominik Hasek used to set up a puck machine, aim it to fire just under the cross-bar and lie down in the crease. With pucks coming as fast as they could fly, Hasek would kick one of his legs in the air with perfect timing and stop the shots.
The hockey world is full of similar stories of Hasek's unique training regimen, and there's a seemingly unending highlight reel of show-stopping saves he made during his NHL career.
Call him crazy, but also call him one of the best goaltenders in history.
"There was definitely a method to all of his madness," former NHL goaltender John Davidson said. "(He could) make saves you're not supposed to make. He was quick, but he knew how to read plays and he could find a way to get it done by twisting his body and rolling over. Whatever it took, he got it done."
A six-time Vezina Trophy winner as the top goaltender and two-time Hart Trophy winner as league MVP, Hasek was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November. On Tuesday night the Buffalo Sabres, with whom he had his best years, will retire his No. 39 before their game against the Detroit Red Wings, with whom he won the Stanley Cup.
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.