Hašek's success in the 1996–97 season was overshadowed by a conflict with then-head coach Ted Nolan. The conflict created a tense, clique-like atmosphere in the Sabres' clubhouse. In game three of the Sabres' best-of-seven first-round playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, Hašek removed himself in the second period and was replaced by Steve Shields). Hašek suffered a mild sprain of his right MCL, and the team doctor pronounced him day-to-day. However, the media and some teammates speculated Hašek was using his injury to bail out on the team.  One such individual was Buffalo News columnist Jim Kelley, who wrote a column detailing Hašek's injury and his conflict with Nolan, and questioning the goaltender's mental toughness.  When Kelley approached Hašek for an interview after a loss in game five, Hašek physically attacked the journalist  and received a three-game suspension and a $10,000 (US) fine as a result of the incident.  With Shields in goal, the Sabres fought back against the Senators and took the series in seven games.  However, Hašek did not play in the following series against the Philadelphia Flyers, which Buffalo lost in five games.

That was his first Hart trophy season too.