We all know who Dominik Hasek is, undoubtedly one of the greatest goaltenders to have played the game. Last night, the Buffalo Sabres retired his number when the Detroit Red Wings came to town.
BUFFALO — In the recent event of Jimmy Howard going down with a groin injury (out 2-4 weeks), Petr Mrazek and Michal Neuvirth both got the start. Both goalies hailing from the Czech Republic, and both goalies grew up idolizing Dominik Hasek. A pretty cool sight to see, even on a television. Not only a special night to The Dominator, but a very special night to Petr Mrazek, who did not hesitate to grab the game puck which read “39” in tribute to Hasek’s number that he wore in the NHL.. Photo:
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Mrazek with game puck. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/HasekNight?src=hash”>#HasekNight</a> <a href=”http://t.co/2Q4q7qETMi”>pic.twitter.com/2Q4q7qETMi</a></p>— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdon) <a href=”https://twitter.com/JoeYerdon/status/555196613204123648″>January 14, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Detroit won the game 3-1, on a solid performance from Mrazek, who allowed just one goal on 26 shots. Thanks to Joe Yerdon (SBNation & Sabres correspondent for NHL.com) for providing some quotes that Mrazek gave after the game:
“It’s nice to have these memories. I have every puck from junior championship or from the Calder Cup Final. So every puck I can, it’s nice to keep.”
What’d you say to Hasek?
“I just say congrats to him because he deserved it with what he did. I think that was an amazing moment for him and for us, too.”
On this road game
“I think we played a great road game today. From the beginning we had a great penalty kill, I know we scored on the power play and in the third period we tried to keep the score 3-1 or score one more, but I think it was a great road game.”
On Detroit’s first goal
“It’s huge on the road when we have the lead. 1-0 or 2-0 it was big and I’m happy after eight games we scored the first goal.”
Were you inspired meeting Hasek?
“It’s nice to meet the legend and the goalie who did so much stuff for our country and for himself so I think it’s great.”
“Every game is big for me, but like I said about the puck, it’s his number on the puck and I’d like to keep it as a reminder if I don’t see him in a couple years that I played the game.”
It was a pretty awesome night, Red Wings win, Mrazek gets the win and gets to meet his idol. The ceremony was short, but a great tribute to one of the best goalies the NHL has ever seen. Here’s to you, Dominator.
