GIVE DiPIETRO A BREAK
Animosity should be saved for more deserving
Addressing the biggest topic since we started this thing and the constant requests for my thoughts on goaltender Rick DiPietro…
Personally, I would lay off the brutal shots at DiPietro about swollen head, body of glass and all the other nonsense. He’s an athlete going through hell, no matter what you may think of his compensation. If the Islanders have made any major mistakes here…if…they are not DiPietro’s.
If you hate the contract, remember that DiPietro didn’t sign himself to it. If the NYI are fortunate to get John Tavares, you can only hope Islanders Country doesn’t lose any sleep wondering if JT will ever commit to your franchise and your community past age 30 - or even his first shot at unrestricted free agency.
This stuff about DiPietro not really being all-that-great, whoever said he achieved greatness yet? But - leaving the Islanders out of it for now - are the men on the committee that named him the No. 1 goalie for Team USA at the Olympics a bunch of idiots? Is Long Island favorite Peter Laviolette only a moron when it comes to DiPietro? What about the NHLers that named him to the All-Star team last season?
Silly suburban legends about the goalie getting involved in personnel - Dubie or my favorite, Arron Asham (!) - are just that. Carl Pavano references? Pathetic. DiPietro got hurt playing the game, is relentless in his rehab sessions and has the full respect of his teammates. But yes, they are both Italian and women tend to love them. Hmmm, maybe there’s something there.
Despite Scott Gordon’s efforts to try and tell everyone what is a story and what is not, Rick DiPietro is his team’s biggest story. Before DiPietro was hurt, he was the Islanders’ best player by a large margain. Should he be ready to play the Islanders’ next important game - the season opener in October - he likely will still be the Islanders’ best player. Even with some of the haters on blogs and message boards, DiPietro remains by far the team’s most popular player.
There’s something about New York and the near-contempt some of us seem to have for athletes who suffer injuries or fall short of winning a ring. Who knows where that comes from? I do know it’s not one of our better traits. Rick DiPietro: the only hockey player on a 12-26-4 team with the appeal to draw lines twice around a mall for an autograph signing. Hmmm, maybe there’s something there. I won’t even get into his dedication to local charities.
As just about everyone predicted before the season, the Islanders are going through pain, and so are their fans. As the team sits in 30th place, and as DiPietro’s recovery period has become a disaster, this is an admittedly distasteful time for a blogger to suggest to the ticket-buyers how to feel about a player. But the tendency of many to vent frustration at the best and most dedicated player they have is unfortunate, twisted, wrong.
Discuss. Oh, this should be something. Respect. Guidelines.
182 Responses to “GIVE DiPIETRO A BREAK
Animosity should be saved for more deserving”
Please Wait
i agree that the shots at dp have gotten out of hand. it’s not his fault that he’s injured and i always thought the conspiracy theories concerning him were wacko and i’m glad that there’s nothing to them. when healthy he is one of the best goalies in the game. let’s hope that he is fully healthy for the 09/10 season.
Totally agree. Give the guy a break…literally speaking.
I have nothing against DP and think that when all is said and done he will be similar to what Brodeur is in Islander lore. I dont have a problem with his contract, just think if the devils did that with brodeur. I think he will play out his contract. so many fans forget how many games were stolen because of DP. He is a great goltender and will be the backbone of a stanly cup team on li in the near future. just last year everyone was sinign his praises. it is frustrating the way the saga is playing out but just stop the shennigans just shut him down for the year. 100 percent healthy and start over that is all
I don’t ever question Rick’s committment to the team or the community. The only thing I do question (besides the ubsurdly long contract) is the decision to have Rick play or even sit as backup if he isn’t truly 100%. Who the heck makes that call and what on earth has he been smokin?
There’s absolutely no benefit to DP playing again this season. He should do what he can to be ready to go to start next season. In the interim, he might be able to get some on-the-job training from Mr. Snow, as we know that Mr. Wang has already promoted a retiring goalie to G.M.
I reserve my venom for the following Islanders:
Sim - Should be in the minors - Passed through waivers - Needless and annoying penalties
Pock - Should be in the minors - Passed through waivers - Brain farts on defense
Both are stealing spots from yunguns who deserve to stay up. When Franz Nielsen comes back, they have to drop Sim and keep Smith. Maybe even keep Callahan and drop Pock.
Gervais - Cringeworthy at this point - Trade him
and Guerin and Comrie when they skate ssssssslllllllooooooooooooooowwwwwwwlllllyyyyyyy.
Although Comrie has gotten better.
And NO - Tambellini frustrates me (great shot last night) and does not get me angry.
I reserve my ire and want to break my TV for those players exclusively - not DP. He should just get healthy and stay healthy.
I would rather have him unsure of his status and bonding with the guys and being around the locker room than shutting him down.
Thank you for listening.
I still feel that the comparisons to the early years of Phils Simms’ carreer are right on. Simms was oft injured and there were plenty of Giants fans who were of the opinion he was a waste of a first round pick (many had the same opinion of Eli Manning, but he didn’t suffer through the injuries like Simms did). But Simms got off the ground and proved that he was the real deal to the fanbase. And he did this despite the fact that, unlike the Islanders and Ricky, the Giants never coddled him. In fact, no less than a hall of fame coach like Parcells started Scott Bruner over Simms in 1983, Simms’ 5th season in the league. I don’t know, maybe it’s because this team hasn’t had a true superstar in a generation, but it seems that the team and the fanbase is more apt than most to annoint someone who hasn’t proven anything as the next Islander savior. If he actually earned the accolades, maybe such a sizable portion of the fanbase wouldn’t be so negative about him.
Nice piece, Chris.
I wouldn’t own 3 different DP jerseys if I didn’t think he was great… he got hurt at the ALL-STAR GAME (in case anyone forgot)He is one of the best goalies in the league and when healthy we are lucky to have him… if he wasn’t hurt, we would have a handful more wins than we do and wouldn’t be in the Tavheddueche (or whatever CB calls it) Lets face it, so called Isles Die Hards will never change … don’t you remember all the blog posts saying “Hrudey sucks man”
Nice job CB. Agree with you 100%
This is Not about Dipietro as a person, this is about how The New York Islanders disseminate information to the Public and their Fans.
Which inreturn cause’s this feedback or negative response from the Fans against certain outspoken indviduals.
Chris, you never disappoint. This type of article was long overdue and I really hope Isles fans take some of the things you said to heart. He is a franchise goalie, no doubt.
DP has never gotten into a rhythm with this team. He has been hurt all the time. So we can’t be upset with him until he plays and doesn’t do great. It does stink to say “He’s Great, when he plays…” I want Felix Potvin back!
Until DP delivers a deep playoff run or a cup, he will always be a lightning rod. Many fans still aren’t past the trade and drafting him in the first place. Throw in the contract and the last year and a half and there are a lot of reasons for people to complain. But CB is right, it’s really not warranted.
Right now I think if the Isles were close to being in the top 8 DP would have played last night, but they’re not, so why force it? This is going to be the situation the rest of the season, only if DP is feeling 100% he’ll play and should play.
Great post CB, you work has made this an interesting season no matter how the Isles play.
Paul, post #11.
You stole my thunder.
Passionate fans vent and CB, for a few days you were right there questioning the Isles handling of DiPietro injury information/misinformation, then a “time-out”.
Now we need to be reminded that DP should not be at the receiving end of any animosity? It’s NY. That’s what frustrated fans do. Doesn’t mean they’ve lost sight of the bigger picture. What you wrote goes without saying although you’d think otherwise from reading some of the harsh criticism directed at DP. He openly vowed that he’d accept the bad with the good when he signed that 15 year deal. If he can deal with it. So should the Islanders, the media and everyone else. NY fans are fickle, aren’t we?
understandable, but the fact remains they are keeping us in the closet and the circus the isles organization is making themselves look like is quite embarassing.
Get well Rick and stop the nonsense
While it may be safe to argue that the shots at DP have gone too far, it does not take away from the fact that he is too selfish many a times. From his over handling of the puck, to his desire to play every single game when it is evident it is not in his best interest; it is obvious this man needs to drink the humble coolaid. And this does not take into account numerous anecdotes from a well place friend of mine within in the islander organization. He claims Ricky’s antics are that of a primadonna and working with him is like pulling nails. Every year it seems we wait for DP to finally reach that level of consistency within his game and yet every year islander country is consistently frustrated by the seemingly same old mistakes. So bottom line is ricky does need to mature immediately for this team to be as good as it can be.
Can’t place too much blame on DP here. Obviously the guy wants to play, it’s his nature as a competitor. The Isles don’t have many bright spots this year. Nor do they have any real stars the fans can identify with. Obviously Guerin & Weight are stars in their own right, but the team is not being built around them. Okposo is showing some signs of life, but still learning. Same with Bailey. That leaves management the task of trying to fill seats with the one guy that’s left. That would be “The Rick”. Shelving him for any extended period of time means less butts in the seats. It’s no coincidence the team is practically giving tix away this year. Thus, I think it is a business decision to keep us thinking that perhaps we’ll see the guy between the pipes sometime soon. Without that, they’ve pretty much got nothing else to hang their hats on.
Nice work, Chris. I still believe in DP and I’m pulling for him to get through this period so he can get back on the ice healthy and prove all the haters wrong (which I’m sure he must be dying to do).
Chris…. perfect post. I don’t have a problem with DP’s contract or length… the dollars are really not that large in comparison to other top goalies… and DP is a top goalie suffering through an injury bug who just needs to shut it down to properly heal so when he comes back he is 100 per cent, and not compensating for an ache somewhere that causes another problem. I think DP’s biggest problem is DP… the guy wants to compete and play because he actually cares. The team needs to man up and tell DP we’re shutting you down… get healthy and get ready for next season when we’re looking to take the next step in our rebuild.
JC Frank is dead-on. DP will need to win a Cup in order to mollify some of the fans that refuse to let what happened on the day of the 2000 draft go.
CB, Amen, and thank you so much for all you do. I’m not buying the conspiracy theories, I think this was necessary and correct.
One question for everyone: Do we need to bring another veteran goaltender into the system? Seems like we’re burning Joey Mac out, and if Danis can’t be trusted to take a regular start he should be shipped out in favor of someone who can.
NO. I am TIRED of Rick. He is a Milbury Mistake and he should be jettisoned ASAP. Give McDonald the rest of the season, then next year, bring that kid Ridderwall up and let’s see what happens. We’re a team of kids anyway, right? Rick needs to go, and his destination should be early retirement or another team. Goodbye and good luck Rick, it didn’t work out. Maybe he can join Milbury in game analysis? Just a thought.
Exhibit A
DP is a great goalie. Unfortunatley he needs some time off. I would personally shut him down at least 15 games more and let him heal slowly without putting too much pressure on his body. We are 30th anyway and need the #1 pick. Lets give Ricky enough time to fully heal. I dont really care what doctors say the coach should not allow him to play for 15 or more…games to allow him to fully heal
Let’s rid this team once and for all of the Milbury Legacy … Rick Must GO.
I like Ricky…seems like a good guy personally, competitive and cares about his job…but is it really being a hater if you think he is not the best US goaltender (wouldn’t you take Ryan Miller over Ricky?) or that there are many NHL goaltenders who you would take over Ricky if you were starting a team from scratch? sorry, but he has yet to put a put up numbers on any consistent basis that you would say he’s top 5 in the league, or even top 10 for that matter…and for playing on poor teams? look at Luongo’s save % and goals against on teams that were just as bad or worse…and he’s just one example…if Ricky wants to silence his critics, he’s got to get himself healthy, get back on the ice and start putting up numbers like a .915 or higher, get his GA down to a better number no matter how many shots he’s taking, and post some shutouts where they’re his and not the “team’s”
Comparing the other goalies and $ is funny. THe only reason Henrik puts up better #’s is because he has two station wagon length leg pads that were made for someone the height of Zdeno Chara. His #’s will be interesting next year when the pad size limit comes out where your pads must be equal to your size. He can do a split and his 5 hole is closed.
Rick needs to be shut down the for the season and the team needs to come out a make a statement saying just that. If they bring him back this year, they are more nuts that I already give them credit for. Would I trade Rick? Probably, because as young as Ricky might be I think he’s become part of the “old Islanders”. He’s become the fall guy for the organization. That’s what comes with losing hockey, injuries and a 15 year contract. Sure, it’s not fault of Ricks, but the contract is an anchor around the organization. We’re in 15 years with an injury prone franchise goalie. If Rick were on a 3-5 year deal, I’d say there would be less animosity.
I’d like nothing more for than Ricky to redeem himself and the organization. That being said, the time for redemption will be in October and not February/March/April as we march towards Tavares.
“are the men on the committee that named him the No. 1 goalie for Team USA at the Olympics a bunch of idiots?”
Well, Don Waddell of the Thrashers was the team USA GM. So, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. ; )
Anyone else notice that MacDonald and Kiprisoff going into last nights game had the same save %?? Amazing what a good defense can do. Our D is aweful right now. Poor DP and MacDonald. I can’t believe how bad Witt is playing right now too!!!
OK, I have to ask this, because it confuses the hell out of me: Why do so many Islander fans have a strict list of demands that must be met in order for them to stop complaining? I genuinely want to know this, I’m not taking a shot here. It seems like a waste of energy and a crutch for continued complaining, since all the “demands” have not been met.
If DiPietro is injured…. he should not be anywhere near the ice.
The guy is signed for the next 12 years. (that is a different problem altogether)
Let him rehab @ home. Don’t bring him on a road trip and hope he will play.
Somebody needs to step up and just tell him to take slowly, we need you for the future.
He is not going to make a difference this year. Unless it is negative, by getting hurt again, or winning a few games and taking this team out of the cellar.
Yes he can be a top ten goalie in this league… no doubt. But he does not have to be one this year.
Yes the knee is surgically repaired… but anybody that has ever played in net knows the stress and banging your knees and hips take.
What we need are some trades to take our mind off of DP… Cmon Garth. Start loading up on draft picks.
I just wish this season was over and it was Draft Day.
And with the 2009 1st overall pick The NY Islanders are proud to choose from the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League John Tavarse.
hey nick classic,
love the petition site, but you should also encourage residents of the town of hempstead to call their legislators. putting pressure on these small time politicians can actually work.
Well said!
The Rick needs to sit out for the season. This is becoming a ridiculous topic.
As usual,CB is saying what the team PR person should be saying.It is what the TV guys should be saying. Yet again CB fills the vacuum left by the team management.Cover ups create conspiracy theories AND anger. The fact that our MOST talented and MOST popular Islander is not on TV speaking for himself and being his charming self is causing all these problems. We need to hear,frequently, from Rick himself. So simple…take off the gags.Islander fans know that Rick is a star, the anger is coming out in the wrong place.
Just want to know how the balance of the contract effects the salary cap after DP is forced to retire.
Agreed, eye (I know I’m bounced after this but I’m heading out for the day in a few anyway). I want to do that, and think it’s beneficial, I just want to be able to do it without co-opting CB’s blog. I’ll put something together and let you guys know where to find it.
I don’t understand the DP haters either. Why hate a guy because of his $4+ million salary per year? He got lucky and found a profession that pays him HUGE bux per year. Good for him. Maybe there are a lot of jealous people out there.
I think you’re right on with respect to most points, CB. When DP has been healthy, he has been really good (and sometimes great) for us. But, equally important, he is a marketable, “name” player who wants to be on LI and has committed to being on LI. While the length of his contract leaves room for debate, it still may prove to be a bargain if he comes back healthy and continues to improve (while his annual salary remains where it is). Moreover, in terms of his contract, it’s nice to know that DP is not going to jettison this team when times are tough (as they are) … we’ve been burned too many times before.
Hey CB,
I think this article might have just taken you out of the dog-house. I have become very fed up with the constant tearing apart of DiPietro. If this message board was up this time last year, people would be singing their praises for DiPietro’s amazing play. The guy is a franchise goalie, through and through. When he is at his best, he is one of the best. I really hope they play it smart with him over the remainder of the season. Splitting time with Joey Mac would be the best thing to do, and then spend his summer strengthening up all necessary areas. Next year, hopefully with our first round pick in the line-up from this upcoming draft, the Isles will sport a competitive and fun team. Till then, no more ripping on DP would be a good thing!
When the team is at the bottom of the league, it’s fans usualy looking for someone to blame. So, I don’t think it is about DP himself. It’s just a part of frustration. When he is on the ice and basicaly stealing wins by himself we all love this guy. When he doesn’t for whatever reason (injury, personal breakdowns, ect.), he becomes a someone to blame. I agree - It’s unfair, but this is just a normal human nature: when something doesn’t go your way (like your team keep loosing), you need to blame somebody.
DP is a good kid with great skills and hockey sense. Has a lot of soul and loud enough in the locker room. It us(fans) who need to learn to be patient.
Yesterday’s game guys played with tons of heart, but it wasn’t our night. And you gotta give Flames credit, they played outstanding hockey. I hope we learn some good things from their defense system - it works just fine.
From I have read, DP is not hurt enough to be shut down, but not healthy enough to be playing every night for a last place team. Yes, this is frustrating to all involved, especially Joey Mac, who is doing his best to make something out of a bad situation. The only way out of this is to keep a third net minder around, or for DP to play in a backup role at 95% once in a while.
Islestherapy:
Just because the Isles are a group of kids does not mean you need to throw away your best players. How can you even try to compare Joey Mac or Stefan Ridderwall to DiPietro? Ridderwall is still in Sweden, and probably two to three years away from making even a slight dent in this organization as a back-up. DiPietro is an elite goalie when he is healthy. It is just ridiculous how some fans forgot how well he can play.
Great write up CB, I hate the DP bashing almost as much as I hate the Mitch Fritz love affair. It sucks that DP is struggling right now with injuries, but Id rather it now then when the Isles are on the way up from the rebuild. I lost a $200 bet at the end of last season, when I said DP will win a Vezina within 3 years. I may have been off by a few years, but I still think he will win one someday and hoist a cup and thanks to his dediction to the Islanders, it will all happen while wearing an Islanders jersey!
CB - Mostly agreed, esp on the harsh comments. BUT…you asked who said Ricky’s achieved greatness. Many have put forth Ricky is an “elite goaltender,” or “top 5″…Logan wrote a blog on it last year! That I disagree with. You have to do a lot more than he’s done to be considered top 5, imo. Good, yes. Talented, absolutely. Elite? No…not yet, anyway.
The second, and more important, issue, when you wrote about the trainers, some of us were killed by others here for suggesting the trainers should not have cleared Ricky to play. They said if Ricky was saying and acting like he was ready, it is not the trainers’ fault. Agreed, but now we’re being told it’s not Ricky’s mistake…So what’s up? The constant mixed signals from all involved parties fuels wild speculation. When you have no facts, you draw your own conclusions. We can’t blame the trainers, or Ricky…who then? Gordon (though this dates back to two seasons ago…)? Snow? Wang? Every week there’s a new bogeyman. The buck has to stop somewhere…this guy’s career is being put in jeopardy.
And the contract, while not his fault, is a disaster, as are the copycat contracts, imo (Richards, for example).
Completely in agreement!
We should be happy that a player of his calliber has committed to the NYI for as long as he has. And we should be frustrated that he’s faced some long lasting injuries. But as fans we need to be supportive of DP.
And since he’s been injured so much…if you want to gamble on a hockey card…might as well start buying his RC while they are cheaper!
Dp was seen as a hero to most fans because when he hit this team he gave fans hope, and still does. He’s loved for sure!
It’s unfortunate what’s happen to him, but also all part of playing a rough contact sport, it happens and it’s tough to recover from both hip an knee, at this point I don’t think he should push his luck, he should remain out, work the injury thru practice but stay out of the game. I know he’s a team player and wants to be out there and give it a try but right now he needs to stay focused on healing and being ready for next season, he’s now very prone to re-injuring, and we’ll need him so much more next few seasons! this year we tanked..so let him get healthy and be 100% to come back.
this is what ive been saying. most people here ( or a few who like to say it in every article many times) inflate this problem. DP is what makes us different then any of the other teams that are not contending in the playoffs. ppl forget that not many teams have a franchise goalie and we have one. and a darn tootin good one. i wrote about this in like two articles before up all night in the seventies.
i wrote this in the article regarding how tavares will switch us around and compared us to the other teams with talent. ppl said tavares wont help us and used kovalchuk and the top line in ottawa so this was my answer.here is my two cents. a little off-topic but here it goes. the people against getting tavares and saying that he is not going to turn us around and say look at the thrashers. they have kovie. well my response is that they have good defence (enstrom and bogosian but lack the franchise goalie and secondary scoring. we have a franchise goalie ( DP) we have depth ( trivino, bailey, okposo, figrin, petrov, smith, jounsuu and so on). then thye say look at ottawa they have all the talent on that one line. well thats it isnt it. they dont have a franchise goalie, or d prospects or secondary.we now have d prospects and prospect depth in general thanks to garth. we have a franchise goalie weither he be hurt or not ( that is overlooked sometimes). will garth trade down again as some joke? no because our pool is replenished. will they take there tim eon dp since we are rebuilding and need the franchise goalie so we dont end up like other teams. we have the puck moving defence that ottawa needs (hillen,ness, skinner) but now we need what they have, all-star forwards. take us to the cup garth
I think many New York fans like to blame the best player on their teams that dont win…some examples: Arod still gets booed, Met fans got on Reyes last year, and Rangers fans never really embraced Jagr…for an organization that can’t get anyone to sign here, having an allstar player wanting to play for us for the rest of his career is something that should be applauded…his contract will be a bargain 4.5 per year isnt alot for an allstar goalie
I agree, that DP is what we still need to build this team around. When he is healthy, he is the best player, by far, on the team and his enthusiasim is very, very needed. We need to place our frustrations in the right direction - at the management of the Islanders (Yes, Mr. Wang, this means you!).
I don’t know if anyone from the organization ever reads this, but if they do, I hope they are finally realizing how embarrassing they are to the league and to their fans! We have stuck with them through everything, and enough is enough. You need to treat the fans as respected people, and not a commodity. Believe me, if the 8-10,000 of us left, there would not be another 8-10,000 behind us to take our place! We are not the NY Yankees, and Mr. Wang needs to understand that! Do the right thing, and be honest with the fans and please DO NOT screw up this years draft by trading down!
chris, thank you. the conspiracy theories (nolan, asham, wang, snow, etc etc) are ridiculous. he is the best player on the new york islanders right now. sad, but true. i pray that these injuries will go away after rest and some good training and will look to surprise some people as early as next season. yes, the contract was ridiculous, but he has yet to meet his potential. rick can win a cup. period.
Great piece CB. . and thanks for soldiering on here - even while on timeout!
Rick’s injuries are unfortunate. . but seriously the bashing does get old. A healthy roster in the fall and a great draft (Tavares. . fingers crossed) wouldn’t mean as much without a healthy DP in nets.
I agree with you Chris….
DP signed a 15 year deal with us, showing his committment to the team and Long Island itself can’t guarantee the same 15 year committment to the Islanders.
This team could be without a championship over these 15 years, and they could move somewhere else over these 15 years….DP still signs at below market-value and people are bashing him.
As you stated, he got injured playing the game, he didn’t get injured because he shot himself in the leg.
DP’s injury this season is a blessing. It’s further cementing the Isles in the basement and a better chance of landing Tavares. A potential superstar we need to DRAFT because other players out there will not show the same committment DiPietro has already given to us.
I just don’t get some people sometimes!
the Senators would kill for him, among other teams.
what is the management hiding exactly? also bill, why would snow trade down again? he did it to restock the prospect pool and set us up for this years draft and is anyone not happy with bailey? i think other teams management hides stuff too. i dont think they should tell injuries just how long. i dont see what the prob is here. someone enlighten me
I am all for the youth movement but say we dont finish last and we end up with the 4th or 5th pick again…if Atl is shopping Kovalchuk I would see if Bailey and the pick could get him…Kovalchuk and DP with the right pieces around them could compete for the Cup, maybe he would be able to get Hossa or any FA to come here too…A guy can dream
I give him two more seasons max before he’s bought out or is forced to retire. We could have had Khabibulin, but DP was 95% healthy in October! DP a top-5 goalie? Come on. As much as I dislike the guy (his selfishness, self-centeredness, etc), I’ll admit he can be a good goalie, but top 5? Some of you people are absolutely delusional. Either that or you only watch the Howie and Jaffe show. If you want to see some good hockey, watch any divisional game that doesn’t involve the Isles and the Southeast Divison.
CB, you are the man. Nobody could have said it better. Some fans choose to forget that he injured himself playing his heart out for the NEW YORK ISLANDERS. Yes, the team that we all root for! Rick is one of, if not THE, most competitive players that this franchise has seen in a very long time. When healthy, there is nobody that I’d rather have in the net and leading this team onto the ice night in and night out. That being said, I hope the right decision is made in regards to his health for him as a person, followed by him has a player. If he needs to shut it down for the season to be ready for next year, so be it. But once again, you never disappoint, CB. Great article as always.
Oh and I forgot to mention… it’s a sad sad (and dangerous) situation when your oft-injured goalie is the most powerful person in your organization after the owner.
I totally agree with all you wrote CB. Here’s to a healthy Rick.
Question re the draft do the Islanders go with Jerseys pre-printed with all the top players names ? like last year did they have a Schenn jersey with them or did they really just have a Bailey on hand because he is who they wanted?
CB, I don’t think too many of us hate DP, I in fact have a DP jersey and t-shirt, it’s just:
1) One of the longest contracts in NHL history, and he’s not even old yet, and already injury problems-we all realize he is our best and most marketable player, we are worried that if he doesn’t recover, there he goes! More bad luck for the Isles.
2) Jealousy.
how is dp selfish and self centered. he is determined to play? gimme a break. i am out with a concussion and wanted to play hockey very badly but was told not to by the doctor and parents even though the team is worse then the isles. we loss 7-4 and the team could have really used me and i was still mad i couldnt make it. does that make me selfish and self centered. gimme a break.
CB, not two-ways about it. DiPietro IS the franchise. He’s also THE BEST in the franchise. On & OFF the ice.
From where I sit, Rick DiPitero & Brendan Witt are the only 2 members in the ENTIRE NYI “organization” that believe winning is what matters in a PROFESSIONAL league. (And Witt’s NYI career is finished, he’s not a “team player”…screw you Garth) Only Garth & Charlie think 30th place is an accomplishment. DP gets caught in the cross fire. So will Tavares when Islander fans realize Garth does not have the smarts, the pride or the drive to what it takes to build beyond Johnny T, IF they get Johnny T.
My heart goes out to DP. While Brodeur & Lundqvist have Lamiorello & Sather in charge of putting people in front of them, Rick’s been saddled with Milbury & now a notch below that than in Garth Snow??? What a mess Rick’s in. He plays for an org that wants awards for last place.
how is the most powerful person in the org.?????!!!!??? im out of here. after tim explains how is is the owner of this team
Bring back Billy Smith !!!
Hope this puts you back in the Isles good graces.
Kevin, I’m not talking injuries and desire to play, i’m talking about his despicable play in goal (or outside of the goal) when he decides he has a better outlet pass than radek martinek and coughs it up three times a night. And then there was the whole Dubie situation, when he cried to upper management about not starting against the Rangers. Instead of being happy for a career minor leaguer, he throws a hissy fit. He’s a selfish primadonna and a bad teammate as far as I can see. For the genius comparing him to Brodeur, have you seen any of this crap from Brodeur in the last 15 years?
DP must go.
I really have to disagree with your assertion that he is the Islanders ‘best player’. What time period are we talking about? 3-4 months. He was real good for maybe that long in 06-07, otherwise he is widely inconsistent or hurt. The truth is he deserves the bashing and more because he is a #1 overall pick and has been a bust so far. I don’t get why any fan should give him a break.
DP has been in the Islanders “organization” for 9 years already. Most people kill themselves at year 5, DiPietro’s got moxie that’s for damn sure.
Power:
1) Good friends with the owner.
2) We have inexperienced GM and Coach
3) Nolan was fired (conspiracy or not)
4) 15 YEAR CONTRACT!!!!!
That’ll be all. Back to work. Keep on drinking that punch all!
that was wildly inconsistent, not widely
The hard truth is, DP just isn’t that good. You want so bad for him to be good because of what Milbury gave up to get him. Sure, he’s had his moments, but so have many other goalies who you’ve never even heard of. Remember Jim Carrey, Mike Vernon, Arthurs Irbe, etc.?? All really good for maybe a season or two, then their true colors show and they’re gone for good. DP is the last man standing from the Milbury era, an era that needs to be corrected. Time to move on. I wish him all the success in the world, just not on this team.
i never compard him to brodeur . can you confirm that he *cried* to upper management??? is the minor leugue part about him not going to bridge because i still dont see how that would have helped him. practice is better then that. same as rehab. cAN you confirm thTA HE THREW A hissy fit? and i recall those outlit passes working more times then none and benefited the team by creating scoring chances. he does have more assists now then billy smith.
Leave the guy alone and let him heal. I do not understandthe venom because of injury or contract. No one forced Wang to sign DP for 15 years so why are you blaming the player.
DP is the heart and soul of this team. It all starts with him. Lots of “fans” here have short memories. Let him recover at his own pace and let him be healthy for next year……SW
I do not want to be included among those cited by CB as having “contempt” for DiPietro. I think he was on course to be a top 3 goalie and I’ve think he gets it as a pro athelete. As an Islander fan, I love the kid. And no, I don’t blame him for signing the contract. Of course not. That brilliant move was all the owner’s. The problem is that while Ricky WAS the team’s best player by far, as CB points out, there now is a very good chance he never will be again. No. We don’t know for sure. But even 1 major hip surgery for a hockey player in general and a goalie in particular is a very big deal. Expecting and planning for a full recovery after 2 is unrealistic at best. Obviously it’s not Rickey’s fault, and I don’t know anyone that blames him. My problem is with assuming he’s still the same player and not facing a clear reality about his future and planning accordingly. It seems like denial to me.
Tim how do you know he is a bad teammate? Nolan was fired because he didnt play young players…Dubie had one good week other than that he is garbage, if he was so good how come he is playing in Russia right now…Garth was the one who was bad that DP wasnt starting vs the Rags last year…what was he supposed to do turn down the 15 year offer?
Uncalled for, Islestherapy!! …I’m an Arturs Irbe fan, haha. In his defense, he is a two-time All Star and made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in a third year…
And Moose, people say fans have a short memory with Ricky. I’d say the same about claiming Dubie had only one good week as an Islander.
Also…”Garth was the one who was bad that DP wasnt starting vs the Rags last year”
I remember both Ricky and Garth making public comments actually. Not a big deal, imo, but it probably didn’t need to be said to the cameras. I think it speaks more to Snow than Ricky, since Garth is the one who told Witt recently he should keep the critical comments “in the family.” Guess that doesn’t apply to management??
Luongo: 491 game starts, 2.58 GA, .919 SP, 43 SO
Kvasha: next week’s feature on where are they now?
Parrish: cameo in Slap Shot 3 (if and when they make it)
DiPietro: next week’s feature guest on House (or Grey’s Anatomy) (or House)
Milbury: NBC’s resident hockey “expert”
Please wake me from this nightmare!
Well put, SIR WILLIAM.
DP and the Isles (and us) know a few things - all of which are respectable traits: 1) DP has an unquestioned work ethic; 2) DP wants to play every day; 3) DP will push himself even harder when he’s not 100% healthy.
All 3 of these items has made for a dangerous mix for DP and the Islander organization. Ricky pushes himself too hard, comes back from injuries too soon and then inevitably re-injures himself.
Cant DP and the Isles organization learn something here? It seems fairly obvious that his rehabilitation timeline needs to be modified or handled differently.
On my point of view Rick is in the last miles with the team, the guy is too fragile he get injured more than is turn, i like him a lot but he still have a good value for other teams for pepoels who think i’m crazy…hey nobody is untouchable Mac realy show he can be the #1 goalie for the team.I think Snow will pull out another rabbit from the hat on next draft…time will tell.
Other than that last week of the season when he carried the Islanders to the playoffs, im giving him credit for that, he was bad and he would be the one complaining about not playing…I remember Dubie getting blown out and saying it was because he was cold. Joey Mac says he is prepared to play every day, thats what a backup goalie should say.
Since Day 1 when DP was selected #1 by my beloved team I saw hope. Yes right now it is not good and we all know from when the puck dropped for game 1 this season without DP the Isles would bottomfeed. But unlike the teams from the mid-90’s, this team has hope and a direction ( meaning a really good owner and now a great coach ).
DP as we saw makes them a better team and all we can hope for is for him to get 100% and help this team back to the promised land.
moose …. Joe Mac is prepared to play everyday because HE PLAYS EVERYDAY. They jerked Dubie around and when he showed promise, they forced his diminutive butt to Russia. Dubie was the quintessential backup … understated, willing to do his job … too bad DP’s ego is as soft as the goals he lets in.
If Milbury had not made the trade that we all hate, he would have drafted Marian Gaborik instead. How has Gaborik worked out for the Wild?? He’s been hurt most of his career, is hurt now and is a UFA at the end of this season and probably won’t sign with the Wild. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. I’ve been a fan of this team since 1972(the begining) and they have given me so many great memories over the years. (unlike the Jets!!)If we stick with the rebuiling plan, which I think is the right way to go,in a few years I think that DP can definitely lead us on a run in the playoffs and possible to the cup.We have to be patient and have faith in Garth. DRIVE FOR FIVE!! GO ISLES
??? Dubie got blown out in like, two games last year. Quick stats check shows he played 20 games last year and posted a .919 save % and a 2.70 GAA. Let’s not tear down Dubie to prop up Ricky. Both goalies are good and can stand on their own merits.
Anytime I watch pre-game interviews with opposing players, when the subject turns to Rick the reaction is always the same (including from the recent Phoenix game). They talk about his athleticism, how he is one of the best in the league, that he can steal games and that they have to bring their game-up in order to beat him. That kind of endorsement, from the opposition, is good enough for me.
Does he need to be shut down the rest of the season? I don’t know. But I am glad to see the, dare I say it, caution that the team is using with him these days. Many of us have been screaming for that for the last year. We finally have it, so I’m not going to join-in with the chorus of those now screaming conspiracy.
That is the second time in a month that a less than complimentary “trait” that people in this general area have (as opposed to other parts of the country) has been brought to my attention. And rightfully so, unfortunately.
Good to know some of the legends are just myths, CB.
A few numbers …because that’s what I do
Ricky turned 27 in September. At the start of the season, his NHL record was 116-109-29.
Here are the career stats of another goalie for the season completed before he turned 27: 78-86-48.
Admittedly, goalie #2 played in a different era — no shootout wins being the biggest thing clogging the statistics.
Goalie #2 went on to be arguably the biggest money goaltender in the history of the game — Billy Smith.
What happens to goalie #1 in the future may not be known for another 5-10 years.
Just remember this:
It wasn’t Ricky’s idea for the Isles to trade Roberto Luongo and then draft him #1 ahead of Heatley and Gaborik.
It wasn’t Ricky’s idea for a 15 year contact.
Goalies generally mature at a much slower rate than other players on the ice.
And don’t get me started on the top 5 skaters on the team when Smith was 27 vs. when Ricky was 27.
The less games Rick plays = the greater chance at Tavares. I say let this “Injury-Gate” play out all year; yank DiPi when other teams come close to the Isles for worst overall record. We need losses, not wins. Use Ricky’s “injuries” as a smokescreen, a way to save face for losing. I just hope the Islanders are smart enough to figure this out…
Unfortunately, CB, despite your best efforts to address rumor, speculation, etc, there are still going to be those like Tim who - without a single shred of FIRST-HAND evidence to support it - will continue to spout things like the “goalie is the most powerful person in your organization after the owner” as if it is gospel. Clearly people like this know better than someone like yourself who was until recently on the inside of the organization.
I’m just as unhappy as the next guy that DiPietro can’t catch a break and stay healthy, but some of you people really need to check yourselves and just get over your pathetic need to constantly assign blame - especially when it is “supported” only by hearsay, speculation, and rumor.
For me personally it took me a while to get past the fact that we traded Luongo and could have had Heatley. But once I saw the level of play he sustained in the first half of last year he proved to me that he is capable of carrying a team and has the skill level to be a top flight goalie in this league. I hope that the Isles sit him this year and he’s able to regain that form next year.
I’ll share my theory about fans’ contempt for athletes in the NY area before touching the DP issue.
In EVERY major sport in the NY area there are at least 2 teams … this creates a natural tribalization of fans within the borders of the same region. With hockey … we have 3 teams… so demanding the best from “our” team is a must … not only to win … but put even more pressure to win those handful of games against a regional rival. We are always trying to best the other team.
It is ingrained into us to excel in everything we do … we are hard working people in a region where pressure to do well at our jobs, hobbies and recreational sports is peak … we are just a competitive bunch amid over 12 million people in the metro area that drives us to stand out and be among a winner… that is why we are demanding … it is part of our DNA … it’s not personal … just business as usual in NYC regionale … in a land where Jet fans marry Giant fans … and Rag fans marry Islander fans … Cats and Dogs living together … OMG!! What has this world come to?? That is just the way it is.
DP is part of that makeup also … he’s a Bean Town NY’er … he understands how it is being a Dead Sox fan. Rock On DP!
Hey Tim. Brodeur only slept with his wife’s sister! Plus he plays almost every game. I would rather have a guy that wants to be in there everyday then have a guy that is happy when he is not playing.
CB
Talk about herd mentality…lol
I have no problem with the contract Rick signed I’m sure anyone on here would have signed the samething. I put contract blame on Wang for even thinking of signing someone for 15 years what is the point of it? 7 years would have been fine you think they would have learned for the stupid Yashin contract but I guess not.
As for Ricks current health issues what are you gonna do. I’m sure he wants to play more than he is but the guy to this point has showen to have a fragile body that can’t hold up to the grind a #1 goalie needs to stand up to. He’s gone out early the last 2 years after seeing large amount of ice time and nobody can deny this. This year he has been a mess. If I were the Isles I would go out and sign another #1 goalie. Joey Mac might be OK but I don’t think he can be a teams #1 goalie.
I’m not sure about you guys but I’m not at all confident DP can play more than 40 games a year and then take the grind of playoff hockey where he has to go back to back nights. Where in his NHL career shows you he can handle this grind?
i think we blame the strength and conditioning coaches because its not just dp whose getting hurt there are lots o fplayers if you look at it that seem on a regular basis to be getting hurt. I think we need to reserve judgement for a few years since most seem to be ready for a rebuild and ready to compete say the 2010 season let’s wait until atleast the end of next year to start judging DP.
I personally have nothing against DP … I think he’s a charismatic standup guy that is a great athlete and fierce competitor, … and has shown me flashes of elitist goaltending ability. Everything I can ask for in a starting goaltender.
The fact that Mike Milbury traded Luongo and drafted DP isn’t DP’s fault … Luongo also lost a slew of games while playing in Florida in a very very weak division at the time.
Also .. comparing DP and Luongo is comparing Potatoes and Yams … they both have different styles … IMO I think if DP had played on a more stable, structured and talented team his statistics would be much more impressive.
The fact that DP and for that matter Gaborik have a history of injuries is a matter of circumstance… does it mean if they played for other teams they never would of gotten injured??? NO! … it just means that fate might of been more favorable to them had they played in different games for teams made up differently … heck … I’ll even flip that around and say that maybe they’d of had career ending injuries before they even made a spash in the NHL … it’s a matter of fate …
Now how DP and the organization handled his injuries is a better issue to debate … I think it’s non-sense that DP runs the organization … I think personal cheapshots against him are not called for because DP is Orange and Blue through and through and is just as much a fan as the rest of us … he comes to play every game … and would be one of those guys you’d want to go to battle with.
All that being said … I see no use in risking further injury to him and he should be shut down for the season … lets look at simple facts.
Buffalo the current 8th seed team has 45 points in 40 games with 42 games to play. On the flip side the Isles have 28 points in 42 games with 40 games to play. It is safe to say that the Isles would need to finish out the season with no less than 92 points just to be within a breath of the 8th seed. That means that Isles would need 64 points in the remaining 40 games in order to have a “shot” at the 8th seed … to put that in perspective … Boston has 64 points in 41 games …. that means that the Isles would have to become as successful as the B’s in the remaining 40 games and do it with one game less on hand.
Not gonna happen … so why improve the team and risk Rick’s remaining 12 year career for a near impossible feat … only to fall short and fall way short of a shot at Johnny T …. I’ve said my peace … now I’d like to see someone challenge my thought process and prove my theory wrong.
For me there’s no argument, shutting him down is so clearly the right move. For multiple reasons. Under normal circumstances I’d expect them to do that any moment now, but we have seen some very peculiar decisions/non-decisions. I hope that level-headedness finally prevails. It would provide some modicum of reassurance.
So who is rushing back into games and reinjuring himself? Is someone always making Rick play?
Why does Rick’s complaints end up with Joey MacDonald getting signed while Doobie has shown he steps up admirably?
Why is Rick being forced down our throats as great when he’s never been more than mediocre save a few remarkable games and a high degree of senseless ostentation?
He’s a good goalie who has been mishandled throughout his career and who, despite the PR, has a lot of say with our owner. He also made the ASG over better talent. He’s just a very marketable face.
And FWIW, Rick put on a lot of muscle as if he were trying to be a linebacker some time ago, the OPPOSITE of what a limber butterfly (modified) goalie should do. Result? Two bad knees, two bad hips and 13 years of us being stuck. Was that the team’s fault?
Overhyped, overstated and underwhelming. Nice guy, funny commentary but he’s a monster of epic proportions thanks to our organization and media and fanbase making him so. I wish he was sent down, trained better and made to be responsible and accountable from the get-go. We instead rushed him up, let him choose goalie coaches ad infinitum and be the large headed egomaniacal mass his Chicago teammates described him as.
DP spin just gets tiring. Sorry. We want him to stay off the ice and so would anyone who cared about his recovery……but the Isles might sell tickets.
We blamed Yashin for his deal but cannot blame DP?
Peca turned down ten years to take 5.
Lets have DP give backs!! $$$$
WHERE ARE YOU “DD”
I red the last 100 comments there’s only one thing to resume the islanders season pay back time for mistake of the past..THANK YOU MR MILBURY(luongo,gaborik,spedza etc..)
On a little different note… Is DP no longer with Itech? Did they drop him or did a contract just run out? (Itech should have signed him to a 15 yr contact… sorry couldn’t resist)
But I also still think they need to be thinking of Plan B for a #1 goaltender.
Wow, I feel some love for Gaborik as I guy we could’ve had… he’ll be a free agent this July and he’s chasing the dollars that the isles certainly have under the cap. Go get him… but be forewarned… if you think DP is injury prone Gaborik’s injury history isn’t that bright either.
Gaborik isn’t our goalie.
No he’s not… he’s an injured sniper.
I mean his injuries are not as severa since we can roll out forewards in his stead and still win.
Therefore, I’d love to roll out and grab Gaborik even if he’s injury prone (not as severely as suggested). Watch him in the trap happy Wild….then watch him in the goal hungry Islanders roster….I don’t like Overspeed but I can imagine how a stunted sniper on a trap team would just thrive here and possibly not get as injured with a night and day different game.
Young Stars game announced…No Oposko, but Stamkos somehow is playing.
Chris, if you get a chance can you maybe talk a little about this idea that people keep saying here over and over about how they insist that the Isles should “just put Rick down” for the rest of the season, get the 1st overall draft pick, and then play Rick in October next season? Putting aside the VERY obvious fact that they are not doctors and have absolutely no clue wth they are talking about regarding ricks or any other players health, I do not think that its even legal according to NHL rules to keep a player on IR indefinitely and not play him for a year when he is not actually injured. I think that is called “tanking” and that it is not only sleazy and unethical, but that it would be contested as such. what do you think?
Brian From Jersey on Jan 9th, 2009 13:43:36 said:
“On a little different note… Is DP no longer with Itech? Did they drop him or did a contract just run out? (Itech should have signed him to a 15 yr contact… sorry couldn’t resist)”
(Ignoring the joke you have to admit is so played-out it makes Appetite for Destruction look like an album of rare cuts…) To answer that one, I believe that its Itech which isnt going to be making the same equipment anymore and that it has nothing to do with Rick.
Miller, Luongo, Lundqvist…three guys who have consistenly played on teams you could argue are 3-5 times as good as the Isles with double the payroll and have never been to a final. Only Miller has been to even a conference final. When Luongo was on Florida, he never even made the playoffs while DP was at least making chicken salad out of chicken…
Chris TMC - Putting aside the VERY obvious fact that they are not doctors and have absolutely no clue wth they are talking about regarding ricks or any other players health,…
Question - How do you know?
Answer - You don’t.
I don’t think anyone can question his committment to the Islanders or his talent, I think people do question whether or not he wields too much influence with upper management and the coaching staff. I don’t know what it is, but it just seems as if this organization makes decisions and moves based on what will appease DP, and not on what’s in his or the team’s best interests. A perfect example of that is this whole “dress him, scratch him” nonsense that has been going on all season. I think deep down, Gordon and Snow would love to shut him down for the year, but they won’t do it because they know DP would complaint about it and tell the media that it wasn’t his idea.
I’m not at all a DP hater - in fact, I think he’s quite a talent. But the reality is that he hasn’t done anything yet in his career that would ever allow you to speak his name in the same breath as a Brodeur. Contrary to what NYI would make you believe, his numbers are below average so far:
We won’t look at record since clearly this team doesn’t do much winning, but in his 3 full years as a starter here’s the other key stats:
07-08: GAA - 2.82 (33rd Rank) Sv% - .902 (34th Rank)
06-07: GAA - 2.58 (16th Rank) Sv% - .919 (6th Rank)
05-06: GAA - 3.02 (31st Rank) Sv% - .900 (24th Rank)
Best Islander player?? Come on CB…the numbers don’t back it up.
hey CB.. any words about Okposo being snubbed for the youngstars game? while stamkos with a worse PPG gets in over him?
same points, fewer games for okposo, less supporting cast yet stamkos gets in?
Yeah…. Buffalo and Miller always have a payroll double the Islanders. Evber hear of the cap and the floor? (117)
neither okposo ir bailey are in the youngstars game??? that is fishy. especially since stamkos is in with 1 more pt than okposo in 10+ games and 3 more pts than bailey in 10+ games
Zach, I was wondering what you meant by the “Chicago teammates” comment and hunted around, coming across an old SI story when Ricky was first called up (he was 19) with the quote: “Ricky’s going to need two seats on that plane: one in coach for his body and one in first class for his ego.”
—CHICAGO WOLVES GOALIE WENDELL YOUNG
Ouch! But the article I thought did a good job laying out, even at that young age, all of the good and the bad that comes with Rick DiPietro. I think the ego helps him excel, but at the same time, I wish he’d listen to coaches more about overhandling the puck, staying in the net, etc…and maybe a little less of the “chirping” about everything.
Article’s a good one, but we can’t post links. I just searched Google for “rick dipietro” “chicago wolves” and it was the second link on the second page.
Lets package: Broken down DP, Gordon fish stick and Snow white to the Obama team for Hillary Clinten…
Chris TMC - Itech was acquired by Nike Bauer and soon you will no longer see the Itech brand name. Most Itech goalies are using the same equipment, just rebranded to Nike-Bauer (i.e. Steve Vailliquette), but Rick switched to Vaughn pads for some reason, although he was still using Itech gloves in his last game. Maybe he has something against Nike-Bauer, maybe they canceled his sponsorship deal - who knows
CB - dead on once again. Once Rick gets healthy and starts playing well again, all the shortsighted criticisms will end. This guy is a world class goalie and should only get better as long as he can stay healthy. When playing, he is one of the few reasons to buy Isles tix right now and the franchise would be much worse off without him.
Was at the game last night. I was more than a little disappointed when I saw DP come out to the bench in a suit. Stand up guy though. Took the time to talk with some fans, sign an autograph before heading back. JMac played great last night, he was not the reason we lost. It’s too bad what has happened to Rick. The injury problems; not being able to get healthy, etc. I know he can steal games (when healthy) but I don’t think with Rick in the net last night we could have won. This team is not good right now. Too many miscues, breakdowns, inexperience. Do they suck…no; do they have potential…maybe….does Garth have some major work ahead of him….yes! I have a number of friends that are Flames fans. When the Islanders come into town, they always email me, telling me that they hear that the “circus” is coming to town. To me that is the biggest fault of this org. Teams will go through highs and lows, but don’t do anything/everything that embarrass’s your fan base. Get it right…no excuses, just get it right! We’re rebuilding fine! We’re hurting right now fine! DP is hurt fine! I’m willing to accept that. But I want results (from this rebuild), and above all that I want integrity. That to me defines the Dynasty years, and why I CHOSE to be to an Islander fan.
AMEN CHRIS BOTTA! AMEN!
I can never figure how people hate on Rick and want him gone. If they ever got their wish and he go on to tremendeous success else where we’d have to read their post about what an idiot Snow and Wang are for trading Ricky for the next 100 years.
He is the best player. His injuries are disapointing but recoverable. If you’d like to get upset about something get upset at management. Since Rick has played here he has played behind horrible and soft defenses. Where do most of his injuries come from? From being run by oppossing players who know the soft Islander players won’t do a damn thing about it. Not to mention the NHL won’t punish them.
The Isles defense is horrible and has been Rick’s entire career yet he was named an all-star and only gave up one goal when the announcer wouldn’t shut up early in the game. No goalie only gives up a goal in an all-star game. Did you notice how many the other two gave up that came in after him.
He is one of the top 3 goalies in the NHL. Put a real defense in front of him and watch how much better he gets and how the offense gets better and how the team wins.
I don’t know if people are just jealous of the money, his looks or whatever but I’ve never read a media person say anything negative just alleged fans.
Also, Garth Snow’s career was ended when a player ran him. I thought for sure the man would come in and protect his best player and put the right kind of defense on the ice. I have been shocked to see he went in the exact oppossite direction.
I SUPPORT RICK DIPIETRO AND THE ISLANDERS ARE MY TEAM! C’mon we are all Islanders right?
what someone wants Hillary ClintON?
skeptical dose on Jan 9th, 2009 14:23:52 said:
Chris TMC - Putting aside the VERY obvious fact that they are not doctors and have absolutely no clue wth they are talking about regarding ricks or any other players health,…
Question - How do you know?
Answer - You don’t.
You are actually trying to defend the possibility that the kids commenting on here about what they KNOW should be done are actually medically trained experts in sports medicine and have intimate knowledge regarding the health of these players??? Oh PLEASE.
Well said CB he’s done so much for the Isles when he was healthy so why should fans bash him when he isn’t he’ll be 100% soon enough and now we’ve got nothing but time so now Gordon can afford to take it easy with him.
Quagmire on Jan 9th, 2009 14:48:57 said:
“Chris TMC - Itech was acquired by Nike Bauer and soon you will no longer see the Itech brand name. Most Itech goalies are using the same equipment, just rebranded to Nike-Bauer (i.e. Steve Vailliquette), but Rick switched to Vaughn pads for some reason, although he was still using Itech gloves in his last game…”
Thanks for explaining that part! I dont know that much about equipment, but I do know that Ricky didnt always wear the same brand pads.
BOTTA BING: I just looked at the rosters for the youngstars game and am baffled. How could Kyle Okposo not be on that team?
I’m sorry but to me leaving him off is another case of the anti-Islander bias that exists in the NHL offices BRandon Dubinsky made the team!!!!!!!!
Okposo is a top young player, even better he is an American, so if the NHL really wants to grow in America they may wish to highlight those deserving players like Okposo.
He earned a spot on that team and some of the choices on there are quesitonable. Stamkos made the game because he was the first overall pick not that he has been so dominante. Okposo was the 7th overall.
I just can’t believe the NHL found a way to leave Kyle off that team and I’d like to hear your thoughts.
Will anyone from the Isles get on the phone and let someone at the NHL offices know how much they disagree with this?
CB with no new arena coming, won’t this rebuild end the same way the last one did? No new arena, no good players. Sure the Isles can draft good players, but would Tavares stay on the Isles instead of signing w/the Flyers the first July he gets? They are an org that believes winning is important, they have a nice arena, they have fans. I think that’s why this youth movement has no support. Garth is not very bright, I mean obviously. Plus the Isles are not getting a new arena which was our last hope.
When are the Isles just going to announce they are moving? Soon I hope, they’ve dragged Isles fans through a steaming pile of **** long enough, don’t you think?
CB- no doubt that Dipietro is trying his hardest. Nobody questions his desire. I think he wrongly gets flak for his contract, b/c nobody has complained about the Ovechkin or Richards deals right?
I think he is made a bit of a target because he followed Luongo, whom EVERYONE turned out to be right on current injury not withstanding. That said, in the best interests of the franchise and Rick’s health, I believe he should be shut down
for the season. The constant “he’s in\out” isn’t helping him or anyone else.
Luongo is entirely over rated.
Clearly.
Posting Sv% of .920, .915, .918, .931, .914, .931, .921, and .917 every year going back to 00-01; and .941 in his only playoff appearance is embarrassingly bad (?!)
…ha, minus that second .931, which was a typo.
It’s weird how so many people are making a huge deal about Dubie leaving. Correct me if I’m wrong CB but I thought Dubie was made offer here and chose to take more money in KHL?
While I think people unfairly blame DP for the Isles’ woes, it is fair to expect the #1 pick in the NHL draft to have succeeded/progressed more than DP has up to this point in his career.
Did anyone from the Islanders management (Or Rick himself) “suggest” that you write the soft-story about Ricky? Seems odd that after you ended up in the doghouse with them due to the Keystone Cops entry that you return rather quickly with a “Look At How Good Ricky Is On An Off The Ice” blog entry.
Say it isn’t so, CB. Say it isn’t so.
You’re right and wrong, Carmine, Dubie was offered a two-way contract, with Ricky and Joey on one-way…meaning in a normal universe he’d be mired in the AHL. Of course we now know he would have been the Yann Danis…flying all across the continent on a weekly basis while … well whoever the decisionmaker is decides what to do w/ Ricky from day-to-day.
I’m over my limit here, so good day, all, and sorry CB.
Mr. Botta,
This is ridiculous, DiPietro has had a freakish injury streak, some of it his own doing, some of it just bad luck. Some of this is anti Mike Milbury, some of this is that some Isles’ fans are still in love with Roberto Louongo, who is now on what his fourth? Fifth team? I would suggest that maybe the team in its effort (and probably Rico’s) to get back its most important player, probably rushed it, but all that means is you can fault them for bad judgement, can you really get on a team for wanting to win, and trying everything it can to do so?
It’s all fate….Rick plays this year and he steals 5 or 6 games……games we need to land that big fish in the draft. This is a blessing.
Oh yeah and my point I was making about Dubie is you can’t blame DP for him leaving. He left on his own.
Okposo not chosen for young stars
Luongo’s been on three teams, and Florida is just as disfunctional as the Isles. He’s also the captain of a very good Vancouver team. But you wouldn’t know that since all you watch is minor league hockey called by the hacks behind the MSG+2 booth.
Of course, this has nothing to do with Luongo, and all to do with the travesty of having an injured arrogant ass as our goalie for the next 13 years. Oh well, just waste a generous owner’s and fan’s ticket money on his buyout or the second half of his uninsured contract.
We’re All Islanders!!! YAY.
It’s amazing how biased some fans are. Why again does Kyle O deserve to be in the Young Stars game? There are young player who have outperformed him. At this point, you can not put him in the same breath as a player like Mueller. Facts are facts guys.
BRAVO CB…
Nuf said.
dp great guy get healthy soon.isles fan till the end.i vented on thursday about this team but today lets go islanders
Referring back to Scott’s post, #120, for the statistics, can someone explain what in Ricky’s past would lead them to believe that he can be an elite, franchise or Top 5 goalie in the NHL? This fiction that he is somehow in the same league as Billy Smith or Martin Brodeur and better than Roberto Luongo is a creation of (1) the Islanders’ PR Department in its neverending effort to manufacture the next Islander superstar and (2) a fan base so starved for its first bonafide superstar since Turgeon that it will gladly drink whatever koolaid is poured for them by the organization. He is a good goalie when healthy and a heck of a competitor. I give him a lot of credit. He seemd to be the only Islander pissed off when they were eliminated by Tampa Bay back in 03-04. But he is certainly not deserving of some of the accolades I read above.
To those of you who think it’s sacrilege to use DiPietro’s name in the same sentence as Brodeur’s, HHOF award-winning writer Michael Farber did exactly that just one year ago in SI in an excellent article about the 3 NY-area hockey goalies. If he can do it, it’s probably ok for random blog posters to do the same.
Anyway, we all know Rick hasn’t come close yet to any of Marty’s accomplishments, but in comparing talent, it’s not exactly as far-fetched as some of you seem to think. Makes an especially good story with Lundquist here, too.
From that article (it’s available @ SI.com in their vault):
“Right now he’s managing his game better than he did,” Brodeur says of DiPietro. “The only question is [about] how emotional he is. When you’re a goalie of that stature with that kind of contract, you become a leader. You’re responsible for 19 other guys. You have to be composed, to feel you’re in control at all times. I’m not sure that he is. He snaps. He breaks his stick. If you’re not in control, how can you expect your team to be in control? When he’s stable, and I think he will be within a year, things are going to go….” Brodeur extended his fingers, an airplane angling skyward.
Bottom line: Marty Brodeur himself recognizes and acknowledges not only DiPietro’s faults - nobody’s trying to say he doesn’t have any - but also his potential. I suppose that means some of you are now going to say that Brodeur doesn’t know what he’s talking about either.
Took the words right out of my mouth mrlbem. He hasn’t put up the numbers when healthy to warrant the contract he received. Forget the fact that he’s officially injury prone now which only makes it worse. I would argue that he has NEVER been their best player since he’s been here…
mrlbem;
I live outside the New York Sports market here in Boston. Dipietro being the superstar on the Islanders is not some creation by the team management or some spector made up by the fans.
I get to meet fans from tons of Hockey markets here in Boston. Not to mention Bruins fans. Dipietro is the Islanders to these people.
When you talk about the Islanders or even just mention them, the first thing that comes up in the conversation is Dipietro. And it aint all bad or about the contract (which people who understand how the CBA works call a smart idea).
Dipietro is a very clutch goaltender that gives a very bad hockey team as good a chance as any to win on any given night. Just about everyone I’ve met from another market often talks about how frustrated they get when Dipi has stolen two points from their teams.
And this is on nights they are playing well.
Dipietro has a ways to go before he is consideres a superstar. One thing is certain is that he is an amazing athletic specimen and a clutch goalie.
I have nothing against DP. I just don’t think he deserves the noteriaty that he recieves. I know that isn’t popular on this site but oh well. I think he has a great deal of talent and potential to be great but don’t believe him playing a stretch of 30 games incredible is a measure of excellence. Call me a skeptic but I as a fan need to be shown more. I hope nothing more than he recovers and shows his potential but I also have my doubts about that(the recovering part). I’m sad to say this is a soap opera that is only just beginning.
The ICE-Lander’s should draft a net-keeper in the 1st round !!
The shots at DP are misplaced - they should be directed at Garth Snow, Charles Wang & Scott Gordon, who in their infinite wisdom, decided it was better to lie to everyone and not disclose anything about any injuries rather then be upfront about it. Hiding behind the ‘we didn’t want to tip off our opponents’ is just that - hiding. For 25 years disclosing injuries wasn’t a problem - and last time I checked the team won 4 cups while doing so - but now that they are struggling to be mediocre, it became one. Hmmmm….
With all due respect Mr. Botta, your point of ‘There’s something about New York and the near-contempt some of us seem to have for athletes who suffer injuries or fall short of winning a ring’ - all you have to do is look at one Donald Arthur Mattingly. The man never won a world series, was only in the playoffs once (and at that point, he was a shell of his former self) - yet he is as revered and beloved as any Yankee who ever wore the uniform. So I think you’re a bit off with that statement.
All in all, Isles fans should be happy that DP hasn’t decided to call it a season, even though it may be the best thing for him.
What the hell is a net-keeper? We have the ice girls for that.
Good for you CB. DP is THE isles, but it is hard and actually depressing to watch this all happen. DP is my fave player of all time and the prognosis isnt good.
To have a goalie have surgeries on both knees and his hips is not a good sign for someone in their 20’s. Especially since he works these areas more than any other hockey position. I hope he pulls through this and finally gets us a playoff round win, i’m not giving up on him yet.
But we do have to be careful about the draft, if we get Tavares, we will be set in the middle for the next 10 plus years with Bailey as well. That being said, if we do shut down DP for the year, i can’t see that being good for a goalie since he’ll have played in less than 10 games in a year and a half.
These are crucial times for this franchise and it seems we’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t.
I do find it odd that isles fans would talk smack about DP. He is a top 5 goalie in the NHL and he chose to stay here for forever, i don’t see any other a-list players scrambling to get here.
Billy, I don’t think too many players would have refused a contract with that kind of stability. I know if the kid didn’t get injured it would have been a great contract but thats why teams and GM’s and owners don’t sign players to 15 year contracts. Whether its insured or not doesn’t matter, still counts against our cap. As usual the Islanders had to re-invent the wheel. No fault to DP its not his fault just more stupidity coming from the top. I think the A-list thing is a stretch.
Some feedback on all I have been reeding. Fan,s that continue to talk about why the NY Islander’s should move, or before you know it they, will be sold and be moved. I just want to say, Charles Wang is not selling or moving the team. And as far as the Lighthouse Project, that will happen, as soon as the powers to be on Long Island, wake up and stop preventing this from happening. And the Commissioner of Hockey, makes this his #1 Objective. Getting the NY Islander’s, Lighthouse Project done. I ask, why if you trully are, a true NY Islander’s Fan, do you continue to advise, they leave. Are you really kidding, or are you just not an Islander’s fan, waisting everyone,s time, reading your crap! I will admit, these have been Extremely difficult times for all involved in, “Islander Country”, but I believe Garth Snow, has a Plan. And Scot Gordon is moving the team in the in the right direction. The Kid’s are really starting to play well and show their potential. I have said this before, with the talent they have now, they will finish 30th. Thus, the Isles will hopefully win the lottery, and draft Tavares. I feel Garth will sign some Top level Free Agents, and with the Young guns continuing to improve, Game by Game, and the Islander’s bringing up some of their Quality Talent from below, the Islander’s will take the first healthy step foward in their Quest to Win! the Stanley Cup. The Islander’s have to get bigger, I have to believe they have the smallest team in the NHL. And as far as the NY Islander’s Fan base, see how many fan’s, other teams would still have if they were put through what the Islander’s Fan’s have been put throw over the past 15 years. They wouldn’t be fan’s any longer. I think Islander Fan’s, are some of the most loyal fan’s in the World. Wait until the Lighthouse Project is compleated, and they have a winning Team. Then all the skeptics can take a seat. And last the NY Islander’s uniform, this new third uniform is great! Although I think they need to make the Crest a little smaller, say the size of the Boston Bruin Crest. And I agree with Mr. Botta, the NY Islander’s main uniform should be the uniform they wore when they won their Four Stanley Cups. Chris, your work is incredible, 300+ responces, 200+ responces, I mean that trully is,remarkable. The range of what you write about, and the dept and quality of your work is brilliant. I’m sure this feeling is shared by most Islander’s fan’s,again Chris thanks again for the great work you do. Thanks, Mark
It amazes me as to how many people on this site think DP is overrated. Are they kidding? There is no question that DP is the best player on the Islanders. Its not even close. Everyone is getting a first hand view of how things will be for the Isles if they didn’t have DP. They’re 12-26. And that’s with a guy like Joey Mac, who’s filled in admirably.
DP has not played on a good Islanders team yet. When he was drafted, the team was awful. Since, every team the Isles have had that DP’s been on have been either mediocre or bad. Yet, the guy still puts up very respectable numbers.
All the haters keep rhetorically asking “what has he done? What has he accomplished?” but the real question is “what can he actually accomplish when the team he’s on is terrible?” He made the All-Star game last year and anyone who thinks he didn’t deserve it wasn’t watching any Isles games last year. He clearly belonged there. DP was the only reason the Isles were hanging around the playoff picture up until the all-star break. Once he was injured, the wheels fell off the wagon.
If people want to bash on DP because he’s cocky or because they believe (as I do) that he involves himself in front-office stuff, fine. But to say he’s overrated and not good is just false. To say that the Isles would be better off without him is just stupid. The fact that he chose to sign a 15 year deal with the Isles and commit to the organization for the rest of his career, an organization that can’t draw any players to come here, speaks volumes for how valuable he is to the organization and how lucky we are to have him.
I think it speaks volumes about the intelligence level of Snow and Wanger.
I admire DP that he signed that contract and commited to being here and helping this team win for the long haul. However he has a lot to prove still as a player.
What does he have to prove? I just don’t understand why people feel DP has “a lot to prove”, but the dozens of other goaltenders in the NHL who haven’t won championships, Vezinas or MVP’s don’t. Why does DP have to “prove” himself?
You look at DP and compare him to Luongo. Mind you, I think Luongo is a better player than DP, but what the hell has Luongo “proved” so far in his career? No championships, No Vezinas, no MVP’s. The same for other guys like Lundqvist. What has he “proven”? Vezina nominations yes, but no awards. No championships, one All Star appearance. Nobody goes around saying that Lundqvist “has a lot to prove” and his resume is practically identical to DP’s, sans the olympic gold.
This my last post because I’ve hit my limit but I don’t understand why people say they “ADMIRE” DP for signing the contract. Or how great a guy he is for playing with us. Anyone would have signed that contract. I know if he actually played and was a top 5 goalie he would be paid under market value but the 15 year term is something that makes up for the 1-2 million differential. As of right now HE is lucky he signed that contract! If he played well and stayed healthy we wouldn’t be having this conversation because the conract would be brilliant because 5-10 years from now a good goalie is going to cost a heck of a lot more! I hope he gets better and kicks butt but most of me believes this injurie(s) will continue haunting him through out his career as well as us.
this franchise is as dead as dp’s career.
CB -
As I agree that DP isn’t to be blamed for his multitude of injuries, I do have to take you to task a bit. The perception amoungst fans is that DP has direct access to the owner, which in any business is not good. The chain of command is very simple; player, coach, GM, owner. It is very dangerous if DP is discussing team matters with the owner. Can you imagine how hard it would be for a coach or GM to dicipline him with a 15 year contract and direct acees to the owner? Bad situation all around.
CB–My only problem with Rick is that he is just not that good. He is the best puckhandler with a blocker on in the game; he is a dynamic personality who thrives in the spotlight; and he seems dedicated to the game (and the Isles). Unfortunately, he is middle of the road in the NHL when it comes to stopping the puck. He’s constantly out of position and his vision seems poor. He always seems to be looking around (behind him) for the puck. Lastly, his all-star bid was b/c the league needed an Islander rep-bottom line. All that being said, he’s our best player and he’s probably the last one we should be bashing. I agree on that front.
Jethro I think he needs to be a leader. He hasn’t proven he can do that I don’t feel. It seems like everything is about him, he never talks about other players acheivements or anything. I just don’t think the team rallies around him. Whether the Isles win 15 games or 50 with him leading the team it doesn’t matter. I also think he needs to play better. His hype is greater than his play to this point.
Isles316:
“His hype is greater than his play to this point.”
Thank you. My position, exactly. Now, CB, does that point of view make one a “DP Hater?”
Great article, Chris.
How do I know DiPietro is very good? The Rangers fans absolutely flood every Islander discussion board with how “bad” DiPietro is. If he was “bad,” they’d have nothing to troll about. He’d be a non-entity to them, like a Bruno Gervais. Rick’s their new “Potvin Sucks” guy—even though I saw a Rags phreak the other day still pathetically wearing his “Potvin Sucks” hat. A reflection on his inferiority, not the great Denis Potvin.
I love my teams—Mets, Giants, Islanders. They’re never going to please you every year. When I attend games past and present, I consider any “fan” who boos a DWright, a Jose Reyes, an Eli Manning, a DiPietro, et al., as pathetic front runners.
I am sorry but he has not been able to finish a season in three years. His fragile nature cost us playoff seeding and possible playoff round win in 07, a possible playoff spot in 08 and 09 speaks for itself.
Part of being good is getting on the ice/field in sports. He can’t answer the bell
I am not a big DiPietro fan at all as a player. As a person - bet he is a nice guy and all that. And clearly - as a season ticket holder - I W A N T Rick to be the best and win us a cup.
I am not mad at him - and realize that he cannot win with the teams he has been a part of due to lack of talent on the rest of the team.
The real issue here Chris is that the team force feeds the KOOL AID (sorry!!) about how great he is and I keep hearing the term “Top 5″ Goalie with regard to him.
He is the THIRD best NHL goalie in this market area.
He is also a # 1 pick in the entry draft. Since 1996 - he is not exactly at the top of the Delta Pledge class when compared to others - but better than Patrik Stefan and Chris Phillips!!
The problem is that Milbury ripped apart a franchise to draft a player who was a cool interview and I disagree with the 15 year contract. These situations are what I am not happy about - and to constantly be told how great Rick is and how lucky we are to have him - when we had significant opportunity cost to get him - I will pass on the kool aid.
Its just how the team positions DP and plays games with the story over the years - is what disturbs me. And Chris, it seems like its always the little things that disturb me.
No one has ever told me why the team did not honor Joey MacDonald with an on ice presentation for his “Top 3 NHL Player of the month” award for November. Could it be that they don’t want the goalie who leads the NHL in saves to get attention at the expense of Rick ? I am just askin !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
( MacDonald also faced the most shots)
The problem is not Rick. They should shut him down for the year and focus on getting him healthy and trained to STAY healthy ……..
The problem is the current Islanders positioning of the team. This is a results oriented business…….. Life is not fair. I am just tired of having an average NHL goalie thrust at me like he’s the second coming of Terry Sawchuck or William Smith.
pat
To the people who criticized Rick for playing the puck too much, or “demanding” to play in too many games, or any such thing: Yashin was run out of town for not playing with any heart or drive, so have countless other players who floated through our team. So Yashin had not enough drive, DiPietro has too much? The man is insanely motivated to leave everything on the ice, every game, no matter what. He needs to work to rein it in somewhat (and for those who remember his first year or two, he DID rein it in, he definitely was even worse about playing the puck), but don’t fault the man for wanting to win for his team.
Also, people have been throwing around the terms “top 5″, “top 10″ without really considering it. Go to NHL.com, look at the list of 30 starting goalies in the NHL today, and pick 10 goalies above Dipietro.
Brodeur, Luongo [don't start about the trade, 9 years ago, drop it], Bryzgalov Giguere Nabokov are the only names I see far-and-away above him, and those last 3 I don’t really know. Kipprusoff Turko Lundquist Miller Biron Fleury could all be argued back and forth for hours. Personally, I take DiPietro over at least a few of those. There you go, that’s “top-ten” as a number, not an expression. And then look at some of the other 20 choices. Budaj, Mason, Labarbera.
Also “Chased Dubie to Russia”. Snow gave Dubie a lowball deal, no doubt. But the offer was not “Take this bad deal or go to Russia, no other options”. All 30 teams had the option of dealing with him. Ott, Fla, LA, Nash, Car, Minn could have all really used a solid backup or split starts goalie. Us armchair GMs might be smarter than 1 rookie GM with a real paycheck…but did we really see something that 30 GMs and all of their scouting staffs missed?
Shardz, there are about 15 goalies as good or better than Dipietro. DP gives up a million goals late in games and by mishandling the puck and putting the defense out of position. He flops around a lot as well. He has been great at times but also very mediocre as well. He is insanely inconsistent and if it is his fault or not I’m not sure but he can’t stay healthy.
Chris TMC on Jan 9th, 2009 15:03:25 said:
skeptical dose on Jan 9th, 2009 14:23:52 said:
Chris TMC - Putting aside the VERY obvious fact that they are not doctors and have absolutely no clue wth they are talking about regarding ricks or any other players health,…
Question - How do you know?
Answer - You don’t.
You are actually trying to defend the possibility that the kids commenting on here about what they KNOW should be done are actually medically trained experts in sports medicine and have intimate knowledge regarding the health of these players??? Oh PLEASE.
I’m not defending anything. I am saying I know for a fact that there are contributors to this blog who are medical professionals - doctors that is - and also that there are some, including orthopedic specialists, who think the goalie is having problems recuperating from multiple procedures. Not uncommon. Thus, complete rest is called for. Does that really seem unreasonable?
Here’s a fun hypothetical:
Imagine DP signed a 4 year deal instead of a 15 year deal and was therefore tradeable.
Would you trade him to a playoff team at the deadline for a 1st round pick and a top prospect?
I’d much rather build my team around forwards and defensemen and add a goalie as a finishing piece than the other way around.
Do I think DP can prove himself as great in the next 3-5 years? Yes, but will he still be as good in 5-10 when we’ll need him to be?
Hasn’t this guy been out for a year and a half. Huh? Did I miss something? He is less than Carl Pavano right now. Who cares about off the ice stuff if he can’t get on the ice. He is godd if not great sometimes. Chris Osgood was more consistent. Do not even tell me he wasn’t. Osgood turned games around. DP has not done that consistently. Tell us what is wrong and get back on the ice. If you can’t get on the ice you are the biggest bust in Islander history. Go sign autographs then Ryan Leaf
Rick is an arrogant punk! This franchise has accomplished nothing with him. Stop praising him because he signs autographs. If that is your defense CB, you already lost this argument.
Yeah, that was CB’s “defense”… Whether you agree with his comments or not, how about you at least attempt to read and comprehend ALL of them, not just the one you want to use for your insightful response.
Re: “his all-star bid was b/c the league needed an Islander rep”… One more time, kids: the NHL is NOT obligated to take a player from every team to the All-Star Game.
And, to ShardZ: great point about Dubie and the other 29 teams. Wasn’t just the Isles that didn’t offer him the deal that so many on this board seem to think he “deserved.”