Mens Hockey News - Czech goalie may not be back

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Dominik Hasek of the Czech Republic takes part in practice in Turin. The NHL star remains questionable for Saturday's action.

Hasek probably won’t be back in Olympics
Czech goalie still has muscle pain, status to be determined by Friday


TURIN, Italy - Dominik Hasek is still iffy for a return to the Olympics.

Pavel Kolar, physical therapist for the Czech Republic’s hockey team, said Thursday that the 41-year-old goalie had a tense muscle in his left leg — an injury sustained Wednesday in the Czech Republic’s opening 4-1 victory over Germany.

Kolar said through an interpreter that Hasek’s chances of playing again here are 30-40 percent.

Hasek’s status could be determined on Friday, an off day in the tournament. The decision, Kolar said, would be left up to Hasek — the Ottawa Senators’ top goalie.

The Czechs will play on Saturday and Sunday, and again next Tuesday.

Tomas Vokoun of the Nashville Predators, a topflight Olympic backup, started in place of Hasek on Thursday and was beaten in the Czech Republic’s stunning 3-2 loss to Switzerland.

“I just played bad,” Vokoun said after his 16-save performance.

The world champion Czechs (1-1) are tied with Switzerland in Group A. The top four teams in the six-squad group move on to the quarterfinals.

Hasek was injured when he spread his legs to stop a shot during a German power play about six minutes into Wednesday’s game. He didn’t face another shot for the next few minutes, but left the game when play stopped 9½ minutes into the period.

“You don’t want to see anyone get injured,” Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson said, “but my focus is on Team Sweden right now.”

The Czechs are also dealing with an injury to New Jersey forward Patrik Elias, a late replacement for New York Rangers rookie Petr Prucha, who pulled out because of a knee injury.

Elias bruised his ribs during a check from a Swiss player and will be re-evaluated on Friday.

Elias likely would’ve been on the original roster announced in December, but he was sidelined for the first 39 games of the NHL season while recovering from Hepatitis A. He got sick while playing in Europe during the lockout.

He has seven goals and 14 assists in 18 games with the Devils this season.

The Associated Press