Bob Sauve, 34, the New Jersey Devils...

Bob Sauve, 34, the New Jersey Devils goalie who twice shared the National Hockey League award for giving up the fewest goals in a season, announced his retirement after 12 seasons in the league.

Hindered by a recurring back problem, Sauve, 34, played in just 15 games last season as a backup to Sean Burke.

Sauve joined the Devils in 1987-88 as a free agent after playing the previous 10 seasons with Buffalo, Detroit and Chicago. He played in 420 games in his career and posted a 182-154-54 mark with eight shutouts and a 3.48 goals against average.

Sauve, a native of Ste. Genevieve, Quebec, ranks 35th in the NHL in career games played and tied for 37th with Gilles Gilbert in total wins.