DETROIT -- Preparing for what could be his last NHL game, Detroit goalie Dominik Hasek wasn't taking any chances.

At the off-day media session Tuesday, Hasek declined to sit at the podium. Instead, he answered reporters' questions while standing in front of the league's media interview table.

	Dominik Hasek already has set a record with sixth shutouts in a single postseason.

"I am sort of superstitious," admitted Hasek, who has posted a single-season playoff record six shutouts. "In the past, I've went on the stage in the playoffs and we lost. So, I decided not to go on the stage until it's over."

Hasek also declined to speak in any depth about his future career plans, amidst speculation he'll retire and return to his native Czech Republic if the Wings carry home the Cup.

"I haven't come to any decision yet," said Hasek, who has toyed with retirement in the past. "There's still some hockey to be played."

If Hasek and his mates play as they did in Games 2, 3 and 4, "some hockey" will equate to only one game. Then, maybe, he'll announce his decision. Until then, though, the Wings' unpredictable goaltender will keep his eyes on the prize.

"We haven't finished out business," said Hasek, dressed down in black t-shirt, khaki shorts and sandals. "Right now, we have to be very focused for the next game."

The six-time Vezina Trophy winner knows there only is one acceptable result for this amazing group of high-profile stars.

"I say it's always about the win and this team would be successful only if you win the Cup," Hasek said. "If we don't win the final game, I cannot say it was fun for me because it's all about winning.

"And expectations in this organization are very high. So I really can enjoy it only if we win that final game."

While Hasek hasn't had to be his old dominating self during the Wings' Stanley Cup run, his presence -- his aura -- has been a big positive for his teammates.

"It's not too often you have a meeting about the other team and first player you talk about is their goaltender," said Detroit left wing Brendan Shanahan, who has faced Hasek many times during the past decade. "As soon as you start talking about the other team's goalie and how do you beat him and what is the best way to beat him, you are taking a player who usually uses his instinct to score and now getting him to think."

Right now, the Hurricanes' sharpshooters must be doing a little thinking about Hasek, who carries a 127:13 minute shutout streak into the potential Cup-winning game Thursday.

During the two off days, while the 'Canes plot and plan for ways to slip a puck past Hasek, he'll be spending time with his family and watching a couple of World Cup soccer matches.

Thursday, though, Hasek will be focused and ready when he skates into his crease for perhaps the final time in his sensational NHL career. After all, he knows he needs just one victory to complete his near perfect resume.

Until then, Hasek will stay away from any podiums or stages. At this point, the superstitious stopper will do all he can not to jinx himself. With one victory to go, there's no reason to take even the silliest of chances.

E.J. Hradek writes hockey for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at ej.hradek@espnmag.com.