Buffalo Sabre goaltender Dominik Hasek, the subject...

Buffalo Sabre goaltender Dominik Hasek, the subject of rumors about the severity of his knee injury, will not play in the team’s Eastern Conference quarterfinal series unless there is a deciding Game 7.

Sabre General Manager John Muckler said that Hasek “will remain in Buffalo to rest and rehabilitate his knee. He will miss Game 6” at Ottawa on Sunday.

Backup goaltender Steve Shields started again for Buffalo on Friday. The Sabres hosted the Senators in Game 5 with the series tied, 2-2.

But the continuing saga of Hasek, who suffered a sprain of his right knee in the second period of Game 3, has been the most provocative story of a series in which only 14 goals were scored in the first four games.

Hasek, visibly shaken by the whole controversy, said he would have left the team had it not been for the support of his teammates.

“If it hadn’t have happened, I wouldn’t play for the Buffalo Sabres,” Hasek said. “I’m glad this organization and the teammates are behind me. I’ve been shaking for two days.”

On Wednesday, with the entire team standing behind him, Hasek lashed out at those who had accused him of bailing out on his team. “What really hurts at this time is that my dedication to my team, citizens of Buffalo and the organization has come in question. As a pro hockey player, I deal with pressure every day and I like it. I have always given 100% and will continue to do so.”