Sabres' Hasek To Return

Dominik Hasek wants a different kind of farewell, and intends to do something about it: The star goaltender of the Buffalo Sabres will play another season.

Hasek, one of the great goalies in NHL history, missed three months this season because of a groin injury. He had planned to retire after this season but has reconsidered.

"What changed my mind, very simply, was the injury," he said during a news conference Monday.

Hasek announced in July that this season would be his last. He said at the time that the longer he stayed in the United States, the harder his son Michael's adjustment would be to life in the Czech Republic, where Hasek wants to return when he retires.

"When I made the announcement I didn't expect to be out for more than half of the season," the 35-year-old goalie said. "I expected to have a full, good season for the Buffalo Sabres."

Sabres owner John Rigas is delighted by Hasek's change of heart.

"Knowing how important the Czech culture is to Dominik and (wife) Alena, we respected his original decision to retire at the end of this season," Rigas said. "We now understand Dominik's desire to end his career with a complete season, rather than one shortened by injury."

His son, meantime, will be tutored in the Czech language and culture.

Hasek is earning $9.25 million this season and will receive another $9.25 million in 2000-01, the final season of a three-year, $26 million contract.

"I like this game," Hasek said. "I like to play every game, it's exciting."

Coach Lindy Ruff now must find playing time for Hasek and Martin Biron, who leads the league with five shutouts. Biron is 19-15-2 with a 2.34 goals-against average and .911 save percentage. Hasek is 3-4-3 with a 2.38 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.

"I think that's a nice problem to have right now," Ruff said. "We just had a lot of games in so few days. I think the 1-2 punch we'e got right now is probably going to lead us right into the playoffs."

Hasek was the top vote-getter among goaltenders on the World All-Star team despite playing only nine games before being injured. Although he had resumed playing, he sat out the All-Star game in Toronto.

Hasek last season led the Sabres to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance since 1975. The Sabres lost 2-1 in triple overtime of the sixth game to the Dallas Stars on a disputed goal by Brett Hull.

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