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From NHL.com http://www.nhl.com/news/2006/04/266758.html

Sens GM Muckler dismisses report that injured Hasek will not return to lineup


OTTAWA (CP) - Ottawa Senators general manager John Muckler dismissed a printed report Saturday that suggested injured goaltender Dominik Hasek's season is over.

An Ottawa tabloid, citing a source close to the team, reported that it has been determined that Hasek will not be coming back from the strained adductor muscle he suffered at the Olympics in February.

Muckler told reporters that such speculation is "totally untrue."

"We've had a plan right since Dom got injured," Muckler said. "The plan is to have Dom 100 per cent and when he's 100 per cent he will come back and he will play in the playoffs."

Hasek donned his pads last Thursday for the first time since he was hurt in the Czech Republic's opener in Turin on Feb. 15. The 41-year-old continues to skate and work out and said the injury is improving.

"My focus is to get back on the ice but unfortunately I'm not ready to go," Hasek said. "I try my best and I know that time is running (out) but I'm still confident that I'll be able to come back and be healthy."

The Senators have already clinched a playoff spot and have a healthy lead on Buffalo in the Northeast Division.

Ray Emery has also done a tremendous job filling in for Hasek. Entering Saturday's game against Washington, Emery has a sparkling 12-2-2 record with two shutouts in 16 straight starts.

"We have a club here that has 105 points and we have a goalkeeper in Emery who is playing very well at this particular time," Muckler said. "It doesn't make any sense to hurry Dom back. We do not have any hidden agenda."

Hasek didn't want to offer a potential timeline for his return.

"I don't want to get into how many games I need to play and how it's going to work, it's all about being healthy," he said. "At this point, I don't feel healthy, I don't feel able to play, don't feel able to put my equipment on and stop the puck. So that's where I am right now."

Hasek is a six-time winner of the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goalie. He also won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's MVP in 1997 and 1998 and led the Detroit Red Wings to the 2002 Stanley Cup.

Hasek has been troubled by groin injuries in recent years. He has posted a 28-10 record this season with five shutouts, a 2.09 goals-against average and .925 save percentage.

Muckler hopes to get Hasek into a few games before the regular season finale on April 18, if the future Hall of Famer is up for it. But he stressed there is no schedule in place.

"Dom's going through the process," Muckler said. "He's improving every day and when he feels fit, he will put on the pads and he will play."