Article:The Dominator goes out on top

Dominik "The Dominator" Hasek retired from the NHL today after 16 seasons in the league. Along with fellow netminder Chris Osgood, Hasek helped lead the Detroit Red Wings to the 2008 Stanley Cup title, though Osgood was the main man in net this year after Hasek faltered against the Nashville Predators in the first round. Drafted in the 10th round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhaws, Hasek played for the Blackhaws, Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, and Detroit Red Wings during his NHL career.

Hasek leaves the game with two Stanley Cups (Detroit 2002, 2008), six Vezina trophies (1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001), two Hart trophies as the NHL MVP (1997, 1998), along with numerous other NHL and International awards including an Olympic Gold Medal with the Czech Republic in 1998. Hasek retires 10th in victories with 389, tied for 6th in shutouts with 81, and with 65 wins in the postseason.

A sure-fire Hall of Fame inductee, Hasek is likely best known for his unorthodox playing style. Enabled by superior flexibility and conditioning, Hasek regularly made saves thought impossible by traditional standards. The Dominator left a undeniable mark on his position and on many young goalies learning to play the game throughout the world. Kudos to the Dominator on a wonderful career.