from Stephen Whyno of the CP at Canada.com,
Hasek played his final NHL game five years ago, and then officially retired in 2012. It's taken time since he left the league for his true place in NHL history to come into focus.
Six Vezina Trophies as the league's best goaltender, two Hart Trophies as MVP, one Olympic gold medal, six first-team all-star selections and two Stanley Cups — one as a starter — don't even tell the whole story. Few goalies during the 1990s and 2000s could do what Hasek did to opponents.
"He mentally and physically intimidated you," said St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock, who beat Hasek in the 1999 Cup final with the Stars. "I think there were games that you knew you were never going to score on him, and I think it was very discouraging at times. I think that's a great quality. I'd never seen the guy quit on a puck, I'd never seen the guy give up on anything. And that's hard to play against."
Hasek's .922 save percentage is the best of any goalie since the league started keeping track in 1982-83. His 2.02 goals-against average is the best in the modern era, slightly lower than Ken Dryden and Brodeur.
Brodeur has many more shutouts, but when Hasek was on his game, he had the ability to almost will teams to win.
Below, watch the Top 10 Hasek moments, TSN style...
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.