7:15 pm - Everyone knows Rick DiPietro Jr. can be a ball-buster. But as the case with most kids, he has plenty of class that he gets from his parents.

I sent an email to Richard DiPietro Sr. tonight to find out what he’ll be thinking while his son makes his return from hip and knee surgeries. Mr. Deeps graciously wrote me back. Here’s what he said:

“I see the game as being important to Rick’s confidence, as well as a measure of success of the training and rehab he dedicated himself to every day after he got out of hip surgery.

“First, I wish the game goes well for the team. And for Rick individually, I wish/hope he confirms his timing is good, his comfort level physically is good, and he doesn’t over-extend himself.”