Stanley Cup notebook
Fleury’s big night brings back memories for Hasek
PITTSBURGH — Marc-Andre Fleury became the toast of the Stanley Cup finals with his 55-save performance in Game Five. The praise reached such a fevered pitch before Game Six on Wednesday that former Montreal coach Jacques Demers compared the Pittsburgh goaltender to Hall of Famer Patrick Roy.
Fleury’s best save came in the second period, when he slid left to get a toe on Mikael Samuelsson’s two-on-one shot. But Fleury didn’t do anything that Dominik Hasek hasn’t done. In fact, he did less.
Hasek had one of the NHL’s best nights in the 1994 playoffs, stopping 70 shots to lead Buffalo to a 1-0, four-overtime victory over New Jersey.
“That’s a long time ago,” Hasek said with a huge grin Wednesday before the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup with a 3-2 win over the Penguins in Game Six. “You know what? From the whole game I remember one save.
“I made it on [Stephane] Richer. It was a very similar save to what he’d done in the second period on Samuelsson. It was a two-on-on one, weak passes, and I spread my legs and it was a very similar save. I made 70 saves, but I remember it 14 years later.”
Hasek wasn’t asked to make any stops during the finals. The Detroit goalie hadn’t played since Game Four of the Red Wings’ opening-round series with Nashville. Chris Osgood started Game Five, and did not the crease after that.
“When I signed with the Detroit Red Wings, it was my ultimate goal. Not only to play hockey but to win the Cup,” Hasek said. “I’m very excited definitely. I wish to be part of the team, not only on the bench but also on the ice, which of course I’m a little bit frustrated with. But like I said, our ultimate goal is to win the Cup, and tonight’s the night I hope.”
Hasek was 2-2 in the postseason, with a 2.91 goals-against average and .888 save percentage. But he was still very good in the regular season, going 27-10-3 with a 2.14 GAA and .902 save percentage. It may convince the 43- year-old to play on.
“I’m going to make final decision after the season,” Hasek said. “But definitely, I know I’m in great shape. I feel like I can play on the highest level.”
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Dmitri Kalinin enjoyed his eight seasons in Buffalo, his agent said, but the defenseman is also looking forward to his next opportunity. Kalinin will join a new team when free agency begins July 1.
“He’s played for one coach, one GM, and it’s been nothing but a positive experience in our view,” agent Jay Grossman said by phone. “Dmitri has more than enjoyed his time there, and there are times when it’s a first-round pick it’s better to move on.”
Grossman said Kalinin received interest from Russian teams, but the Sabres’ first-round pick in 1998 will stay in the NHL. Kalinin had a fine world championships playing for the gold medal-winning Russians, and Grossman expects that to translate to a good level of interest from suitors. Kalinin’s final season in Buffalo was limited to 46 games because of injury.
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When Detroit coach Mike Babcock discussed his disgust Tuesday with the goaltender interference penalties Detroit received in Game Five, he took a not-so-subtle shot at Michel Therrien. The Pittsburgh coach had complained loudly about not getting obstruction penalties, so Babcock finished with, “I’m going to try what the other guy has been trying all series.”
Therrien responded Wednesday: “This morning I’m trying to walk around, introduce myself. I’m the ‘Other Guy.’ ”
