Archives for 2001

In the 1993-94 season, Dominik Hasek won the starting job, the Vezina Trophy -- his first -- and the hearts and minds of teammates and fans alike. Hasek emerged from his second season as a Sabre with not only job security and some handsome hardware but a cool nickname to boot: “The Dominator.” … [Read more...] about Hasek retrospective 1993-94 o Birth of The Dominator

Statistically speaking, Dominik Hasek was the best goaltender on the Buffalo Sabres roster in 1992-93 when all was said and done. But he wasn't impressive enough early on to keep the team from feeling the need to acquire former Oiler Grant Fuhr in a blockbuster trade with Toronto. When the 28-year-old Czech phenom stepped in and won the “May Day” game in the … [Read more...] about Dominik Hasek retrospective 1992-93 o At first, not so Dominant

\'In the playoffs, he scored three goals for the Sabres--all on the power play--and had seven points in 13 games, with 10 penalty minutes.\' … [Read more...] about Kings, Playing Catch-Up, Get Heinze

Darius Kasparaitis' shot didn't matter. Really, it was just a matter of time. Dom's bags were packed, and the U-Haul truck was in the driveway with the motor running. Hasek didn't think he could win here and was eager for a fresh start before the season had even ended. Hardly a playoff game, we'd all been attending a farewell ceremony. … [Read more...] about In the end, Game 7 really didn't matter o Dominik Hasek had given up on Buffalo

'"You look at Montreal when Patrick (Roy) went away and (Jocelyn) Thibault came in - they didn't really give him a chance. They thought he was going to be the exact same person that Patrick was. . . . You have to really look at it as I'm a different person, I'm a different goalie, and it's not going to be the same pattern but it can give you … [Read more...] about Biron a man of many words, few doubts

'But what the Sabres need isn't a good pep talk. They need scorers. They need some sign that ownership is still committed to putting a winning product on the ice, and that the Rigas family won't stand idly by after sending two of the team's greatest stars, Hasek and Michael Peca, out the door.' … [Read more...] about Sabres leave fans gazing at starless skies

'In addition to his skills as a pugilist, Ray brings experience and leadership to the locker room. Those traits might be particularly valuable since the departures of ex-captain Peca, superstar goalie Hasek and Doug Gilmour, a respected veteran who is now an unrestricted free agent.' … [Read more...] about Ray's intangibles help him land new deal

'The Los Angeles Kings signed free-agent right wing Steve Heinze to a three-year contract Tuesday night.' … [Read more...] about Los Angeles Kings signs free agent Steve Heinze

'The 31-year-old Heinze established career highs with 27 goals and 27 assists in 79 games and ranked 12th in the NHL with 12 power-play tallies. He added three goals and four assists in seven playoff games with Buffalo, which acquired him at the trade deadline for a third-round draft pick.' … [Read more...] about Kings sign free agent RW Heinze to three-year contract

'So "The Dominator" has left the building, but when he returns to the HSBC Arena next season, he may be in for a big surprise -- his former team will still be contending.' … [Read more...] about Sabres will persevere, even without 'The Dominator'

'"Rob Ray has been a leader on and off the ice for the Buffalo Sabres over the past 12 seasons," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. "His commitment to our organization and this community makes us happy to have him back."' … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign Ray

'Ray, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a one-year contract on Tuesday to remain with the Sabres. Financial terms were not disclosed.' … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign RW Rob Ray

As you dangle your Hasek voodoo doll over the bonfire, ask yourself this. What lengths would you go to in order to achieve your career goal? You can sit there and be self-righteous and say, "well I would have handled it better." But would you have? Could you have? Especially if the window on your chance was getting smaller and smaller? … [Read more...] about Dom didn't want to end with 'what might have been' and who can blame him for that?

'"But I think more than sadness I feel excitement, because I think I can still prove something to myself and to people. That's why I chose to leave this city and this organization."' … [Read more...] about Hasek says goodbye

'With Hasek's exit - so soon after the departures of Peca and the Bills' feisty quarterback Flutie - the city has no athletic idols left to worship.' … [Read more...] about How big a loss?