FanHouse

Now that the post-Cup party hangover has passed, Dominik Hasek announced his retirement.

Given that Hasek is a frickin' fossil with a shredded groin, and the fact he was relegated to back-up/cheerleader during most of the playoffs, we all knew it was time for "The Dominator" to ride into the sunset.

This time, it's for good.

Hasek, 43, made the announcement at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, five days after winning his second Stanley Cup as a member of the Red Wings. While he has announced his retirement before, the goaltender said this time, it's final.

"It's about motivation," said Hasek. "I'm glad I can make my decision. I'm not ready to compete [anymore] on the highest level."

Despite the fact that Hasek wasn't an NHL starter until the ripe age of 29, having been over in Europe winning Czechoslovakian league awards like they were going out of style, Hasek is a no-doubt inner-circle Hall of Famer who brought a unique style that dominated the game and intimated shooters like few ever could.

In terms of the all-time great goaltenders, Hasek definitely belongs with the ranks of Plante, Roy, Sawchuk, Dryden, and Durnan. Six Vezinas and Two Hart Trophies, and the best career save percentage (92.2%) among all goalies is quite impressive, indeed.