Czech Republic goaltenter Dominik Hasek injured his leg six minutes into the contest against Germany, and will sit out the rest of the Olympic games.

Hasek, Elias out of Olympics
By Phil Coffey | NHL.com
Feb. 17, 2006

TORINO, Italy -- Dominik Hasek will be unable to compete for the remainder of the 2006 Winter Olympics because of an undisclosed leg injury he suffered in the Czech Republic's opening game of the tournament, a win over Germany.

Hasek appeared to injury his leg six minutes into the game, and skated off the ice during a break midway through the first period. He was replaced by Nashville Predators goalie Tomas Vokoun.

Hasek remained on the bench for the remainder of the first period and was replaced by Milan Hnilicka for the second and third periods as he sought treatment.

Playing for the Ottawa Senators this season, Hasek has been one of the NHL's top goaltenders. In 43 appearances with the senators, Hasek is 28-10-0 with a 2.09 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. He also has five shutouts.

He is tied for second in wins, ranks second in shutouts and goals-against and is fourth in save percentage.

"Our medical staff decided that I'm not able to play," Hasek said. "It's over.

"Also, I don't want to get hurt for the rest of the National Hockey League. Playing in the Olympic Games was one of my dreams. Tomas Vokoun is a great goalie and the Czech Republic will be OK in goal with him."

Hasek was a national hero in the Czech Republic when he went 5-1 with a 0.97 GAA and two shutouts in leading the Czechs to the gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

Hasek was asked if he would try to compete in the 2010 Games in Vancouver, but deferred on making a decision.

"I'm 41, I will continue to play," Hasek said. "(But) I'm not looking at the next Olympic Games. They are too far away."

Also out of the tournament for the Czech is New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias, who suffered a rib injury in the win over Germany.

"Elias suffered a rib injury on his second shift of the game and he is in pain," Czech team physician Zdenek Ziegelbauer said. "Ales Kotalik will probably replace Elias."