Dominik Hasek is going to get an opportunity shake off the rust Tuesday in Montreal.
Hasek is slated to get the start after not having played since Thanksgiving night in Nashville, a 3-2 loss to the Predators.
Simply put, it's been a while since Hasek got into a game.
Since his last start, Hasek has sat and watched as Chris Osgood continued on pace for one of Osgood's best seasons.
For a goalie used to playing close to 60 games per season, Hasek has found sitting and watching an unusual experience.
"I don't want to get used to it. It's been a little boring for sure," Hasek said of life as the back-up goalie.
But coach Mike Babcock has had little choice.
The way Osgood has played this season (13-1-1 record), and the confidence Osgood is playing with along with the confidence the team plays with when he's in net, Babcock has almost no choice but to keep using Osgood.
"We're riding the hot goalie," Babcock said.
Right now, that's not Hasek.
Saddled with a 5-5-1 record, a 2.90 goals-against average, and lowly .864 save percentage, Hasek has plenty of work to do.
But Hasek believes he will get back to his usual level.
"I feel real good in practice," Hasek said. "I'm seeing the puck, and I'm healthy. That's the most important thing.
"When I get the chance to play, I feel I will get back to the level I can play at."
Babcock believes Hasek, 42, will, ultimately, get back to that level. Hasek's work ethic -- which hasn't waned at all -- plus his experience and hunger to compete, are all factors Babcock thinks will work in Hasek's favor.
Babcock recently compared Hasek's situation to Roger Clemens, 45, who basically has begun his past few seasons close to the half-way point of the schedule.
Rested and healthy, Clemens has continued to be productive. The same could be true for Hasek.
"It keeps him (Hasek) fresh and that's a real positive thing," Babcock said.
Ice chips
Kirk Maltby (back) continues to be day to day after missing two games because of a sore back. Linemate Kris Draper (sprained left knee) could begin skating later this week.
Pavel Datsyuk 's recent hot streak offensively doesn't surprise teammates.
"The puck follows players like him," Dan Cleary said.
Former Red Wing Mathieu Dandenault 's versatility has almost been a benefit, and curse, at the same time throughout his career.
Dandenault, who was shifted back and forth between wing and defense when he played with the Wings, is being used the same way in Montreal.
Dandenault was on defense last season when the Wings faced the Canadiens. He was playing close to 20 minutes per night.
But this season, in need of speed on the wings, Montreal switched Dandenault to forward.
Hasek is slated to get the start after not having played since Thanksgiving night in Nashville, a 3-2 loss to the Predators.
Simply put, it's been a while since Hasek got into a game.
Since his last start, Hasek has sat and watched as Chris Osgood continued on pace for one of Osgood's best seasons.
For a goalie used to playing close to 60 games per season, Hasek has found sitting and watching an unusual experience.
"I don't want to get used to it. It's been a little boring for sure," Hasek said of life as the back-up goalie.
But coach Mike Babcock has had little choice.
The way Osgood has played this season (13-1-1 record), and the confidence Osgood is playing with along with the confidence the team plays with when he's in net, Babcock has almost no choice but to keep using Osgood.
"We're riding the hot goalie," Babcock said.
Right now, that's not Hasek.
Saddled with a 5-5-1 record, a 2.90 goals-against average, and lowly .864 save percentage, Hasek has plenty of work to do.
But Hasek believes he will get back to his usual level.
"I feel real good in practice," Hasek said. "I'm seeing the puck, and I'm healthy. That's the most important thing.
"When I get the chance to play, I feel I will get back to the level I can play at."
Babcock believes Hasek, 42, will, ultimately, get back to that level. Hasek's work ethic -- which hasn't waned at all -- plus his experience and hunger to compete, are all factors Babcock thinks will work in Hasek's favor.
Babcock recently compared Hasek's situation to Roger Clemens, 45, who basically has begun his past few seasons close to the half-way point of the schedule.
Rested and healthy, Clemens has continued to be productive. The same could be true for Hasek.
"It keeps him (Hasek) fresh and that's a real positive thing," Babcock said.
Ice chips
Kirk Maltby (back) continues to be day to day after missing two games because of a sore back. Linemate Kris Draper (sprained left knee) could begin skating later this week.
Pavel Datsyuk 's recent hot streak offensively doesn't surprise teammates.
"The puck follows players like him," Dan Cleary said.
Former Red Wing Mathieu Dandenault 's versatility has almost been a benefit, and curse, at the same time throughout his career.
Dandenault, who was shifted back and forth between wing and defense when he played with the Wings, is being used the same way in Montreal.
Dandenault was on defense last season when the Wings faced the Canadiens. He was playing close to 20 minutes per night.
But this season, in need of speed on the wings, Montreal switched Dandenault to forward.
