While Muckler said he expects Ottawa Senators medical staff may have some input on when Hasek resumes playing at the Olympics, the Czech Republic doctors "have no need to get the go-ahead from us

by Todd Anderson

While Switzerland celebrated what could be called the biggest victory in its hockey history with a 3-2 win over the Czech Republic on Thursday at the Winter Olympics, Ottawa Senators general manager John Muckler offered comments on the injury of Senators and Czech goaltender Dominik Hasek.

"It would appear that Dominik has suffered a slight strain to the adductor muscle group and is being treated on a day-to-day basis," Muckler said through a news release on Thursday. "The injury occurred in the first period of the Czech Republic's first game against Germany. Our medical staff has been communicating with their counterparts from the Czech Republic hockey team."

Hasek was replaced by Nashville Predators goaltender Tomas Vokoun during the 4-1 win over Germany on Wednesday, and was not available in the loss to Switzerland today.

During a conference call at 5 p.m. this evening, Muckler shed more light on what he knew about the injury.

"Dom wants to stay with his team. The injury (located below the buttocks on the back of his right leg) will be looked at tomorrow, and possibly the next day. We're hoping for an update tomorrow and for one everyday until a decision is made either way."

The decision would determine whether or not Hasek will return to Olympic action.

Muckler said he was shocked when he first heard of the injury.

"It came right out of the blue. You always think the worst. Fortunately, that's not the way it turned out."

While Muckler said he expects Ottawa Senators medical staff may have some input on when Hasek resumes playing at the Olympics, the Czech Republic doctors "have no need to get the go-ahead from us."

Olympic recap:

Switzerland has plenty of reason to celebrate today.

Only two NHL players represent the Swiss men's hockey team at the Winter Olympics and they both contributed with key efforts in the monumental win over the Czech Republic today. Colorado Avalanche goaltender David Aebischer was solid in goal, making 40 saves and Montreal Canadiens' defenceman Mark Streit scored the game-winning goal in the 3-2 victory.

In other Olympic action, Ottawa Senators forward Dany Heatley and defenceman Wade Redden each had a goal during a 5-1 victory for Team Canada over Germany. Canada moved to 2-0 with the win, while Germany is 0-2. Redden and Heatley's teammate in Ottawa, Christoph Schubert, picked up an assist on Germany's goal, scored by Christian Ehrhoff of the San Jose Sharks. Schubert, a defenceman, made a terrific pass from behind Canadian goaltender Roberto Luongo's net to set up the goal. Redden opened the scoring for Canada, while Heatley potted the fourth goal of the game.

Like Canada, Slovakia also moved to 2-0 with a 6-3 win over Latvia on Thursday. Ottawa Senators defenceman Zdeno Chara scored Slovakia's fifth goal and now has a +5 rating after two games. Senators teammate Andrej Meszaros picked up his second assist in the tournament during the win. Former Senators forward Marian Hossa led Slovakia with two goals and two assists.

After a convincing 7-2 victory over Kazakhstan on Wednesday, Sweden fell to Russia 5-0 on Thursday. Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson was held to just one shot for Sweden. Senators defenceman Anton Volchenkov finished the game +1 for Russia. The Russians rebounded from a 5-3 loss to Slovakia on Day 1 of the tournament. Detroit Red Wing Pavel Datsyuk led Russia with a goal and assist, and goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim stopped all 36 Sweden shots.

Mighty Ducks forward Teemu Selanne scored his third and fourth goals of the Olympics as Finland defeated Italy 6-0. Fredrik Norrena, a 2002 Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick, recorded the shutout for Finland. The Fins have yet to allow a goal, after beating Switzerland 5-0 in their first match.

The United States bounced back after an unexpected 3-3 draw with Latvia on Wednesday with a 4-1 win over Kazakhstan today. Four different shooters found the back of the net for the Americans, while Rick DiPietro was the winner in goal.