ISLANDERS INSIST RICKY’S OH-SO-FINE
Despite the rumor mill, team says he’ll be ready
Apparently, I’m the only person in New York who has not recently seen Rick DiPietro on crutches.
In 2009, it’s impossible for just about anyone to go unnoticed. When you’re Rick DiPietro of the New York Islanders and the U.S. Olympic Team, forget about it. It used to be everyone on Long Island knew someone who knew Bobby Nystrom. Now it seems everyone knows someone who has seen the Islanders’ franchise goalie hopping around the last few weeks.
The rumors reached the proverbial and hysterical next level on Sunday, when an old friend of mine came up during the ESPN Radio show on the Garden plaza. Get this: my guy told me his sister recently waited on Rick at an area steakhouse and he wasn’t on crutches, he was using a walker. My buddy was also two sheets to the wind an hour before Rangers-Capitals faceoff.
What’s next – Ricky using one of those scooters? DiPietro filming an updated version of “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”?
Hey, it’s not like the organization doesn’t understand the power of people talking on the information superhighway. The Islanders are tech-savvy, and they had a Crutchgate just last summer. They had to know that once DiPietro used those crutches, the news would reverberate all around Islanders Country.
I waited until the 100th eyewitness account of DiPietro hobbled like the guy in Misery before I finally called Garth Snow. Two weeks ago, blogger extraordinaire Greg Logan first reported that the goalie was spotted on crutches at a physical rehabilitation center. Over the last week emails have poured in about an Internet report that said DiPietro may be done. The Islanders have been quiet on the subject.
I asked Snow if he had anything to add to his statement of two weeks ago, the one that said DiPietro is going to be A-OK. I asked if DiPietro had any recent medical procedures.
The GM provided this on-the-record for Point Blank:
“I’m sure what our fans want to know is whether Rick is on schedule to be with us for the start of training camp. The answer to that is yes. The plan is for him to begin skating this summer and then be with us for the opening of camp in Saskatoon.”
A text to DiPietro for his confirmation of the team’s position, not surprisingly, has not been returned. Can’t really blame him.
Since all the rumors on the negative side have been fueled by the World Wide Web, let’s give equal time. Over the last month, I’ve run into several people “close to DiPietro.” None of them said that his 2009-10 season – let alone his career – is in jeopardy. And any problems he may be experiencing are with his knee. His hips – fixed by the same doc who worked on Alex Rodriquez – are said to be completely healed and strengthened.
To take this Internet noise thing to admittedly crazy lengths, I received an email from a loyal reader about a recent encounter with Mike Dunham. A staffer at a Connecticut country club, he asked the visiting Islanders goalie coach about the status of DiPietro. Dunham assured the fan that his No. 1 goaltender would be fine for the start of the season.
So in terms of third-hand information from the caddy shack, we’ve got that going for us…which is nice.
Coming soon: a look at goaltending possibilities for the Islanders next season. Right now, DiPietro is the only goalie under contract for ’09-10. Expect the team to sign a 1-B, plus a No. 3 for Bridgeport capable of being a No. 2. Comments. Guidelines.
113 Responses to ISLANDERS INSIST RICKY’S OH-SO-FINE
Despite the rumor mill, team says he’ll be ready
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Ed J says:
Lets Ricky is doing well and please let him rehab in peace. WE NEED HIM!!!!!!
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Islanders1984 says:
He was suppose to be ready for training camp last year also. so I will beleieve it when i see it
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Giaco says:
Whether you like/love/dislike/hate DP….To become a successful franchise, we NEED DP to come back healthy and strong because
a. when “on” he can carry this team
b. LONG-term contract – basically we are stuck with himFor the record, I’m a big DP supporter and believe he can take us on a cup run in a few years.
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Rangers SUCK says:
Boucher from the Sharks will be available. The Isles need a VERY GOOD backup since Mr. Fragile can’t seem to play much anymore
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Brian says:
Post 6, I don’t believe Boucher is a “1-B” caliber goaltender. He had a good year playing behind the NHL’s best regular season team but I can’t see him playing regularly for a most likely non- playoff team for a long stretch of time. That’s that the Islanders backup may be required to do next season.
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McLovin21 says:
I agree with Islanders1984. We heard the same thing last year “he’s fine, he’ll be ready for training camp”. At this point, I dont believe that even if he comes back that he will be the same goalie that we saw in 06-07.
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Quagmire says:
Comparing this to Tom Brady’s rehab and the stories of it going poorly, etc. (not really a fair comparison to Rick, but you get the idea), once the internet rumors picked up steam, the Patriots and Brady himself commented publicly that things were going well, he was on track, etc.
This is more worrisome. No work from Rick at all and the statement from Snow can be parsed as follows: he will not be able to start skating until the Summer (which in my view only confirms that he likely had another procedure) and “he will be with us” in camp, is less definite than “he will be ready to play at the start of camp”.
I hope there is not more to it because I think it would be a disaster if he were done or unable to play next year, and I understand that they certainly would not want to tip their hand that something is seriously wrong with him before the draft/free agency, but I have my doubts and this does not make them go away.
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Mikey says:
They said nearly the exact same thing last year, and look what happened. Given the Isles lack of transparency regarding Rick’s injuries in the past, I can’t trust I word they say now. Garth Snow and management have every reason in the world to hide the ball right now. Maybe he is hoping to put together a trade at the draft for a goalie, but he does not want to weaken our negotiating position? Maybe they want to sell a few more season ticket packages before announcing that the franchise player will retire? Maybe they want to give us the bad news after the euphoria of selecting number 1? I want Rick to come back 100%, but the words and actions of management do not have me banking on it.
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Will77 says:
He wasn’t on a walker, he was on a Vespa and filming “Rick DiPietro: Mall Cop”
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Oh come on now. Notice how Dunham and Snow dodged the question? “He’ll be ready” “We expect him to be ready”…
yes he’s recovering. We get it. Could the secrecy have something to do with a focus on marketing the heck out of Tavares and the rest of this 09 draft? You know as in sell as many tix plans as possible without the dark cloud of our oft injured “star goalie”? God forbid we get an honest update like, “Rick underwent successful surgery on his knee, everything looks fine and we are hoping he can recover for training camp while we PROMISE we won’t pull the same shenanigans as we did at the start of last year with our goaltending.”
DP back? I’ll believe it when I see it. They’ve done too much to destroy trust but to be completely fair, alot of that has to do with the newer NHL policy on disclosing injury info so just discount these rants as frustration from fans. we shall see. -
isles72 says:
thanks for the dipi update chris
I guess all we can do is hope for the best
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Ajax says:
Perhaps all of the golfing Mr.Glass was doing with Garth this past off season wasn’t as good for his rehab as the thought.
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blitz says:
NYI should consider signing Danis for a 1yr 2-way deal. Mainly for BST, but NYI call-ups again.
If Roloson or Fernandez have little options and are affordable (most likely both), then bring in the veteran goaltender that could play back-up, but also start in case DP goes down or does not play. Maybe Kevin Weekes.
Pass on McRebound, Clemmenson (1/2 season wonder), Anderson (same), Biron (mediocrity assured), ‘Bulin (bonafide starter), etc.
CB, I just do not see NYI paying anymore than 1.5 mil for that 1B back-up next season.
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herbscooking says:
Looks like Matt Hacket is the future starting goaltender for us.
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Hackett*
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Ted says:
Thanks for the update CB, love the Caddyshack reference.
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RobsIsles says:
Lets have some faith. Yes, DP has been oft injured, but give the man a chance. Maybe DP does want to make a comment but the powers that be told him to keep quiet. Until we can get confirmation these are all just rumors, nothing more than rumors. I want DP in goal next year just as bad as everyone else. Lets not hang the man. Hopefully he will make a triumphant return. Being negative is all some people around here seem to be. Things have been going well for the Isles this off season. DP will be raedy in time and will be the old (healthy) DP. Keep the faith.
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bergie20 says:
i really hope that rick is going to be ok but i wouldn’t be shocked if he’s not. chris, didn’t you hint way back that nyi had interest in manny fernandez? there’s your 1B. re-sign danis and draft a goalie in the 2nd or 3rd round. would really appreciate a blog on the goalies available (hackett, roy, pasqualle, lee etc.) in this year’s draft. thanks.
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Staten Islander says:
Lets just hope that he gets back and that next year DP stands for “DOES” play instead of “Doesn’t” play
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JPinVA says:
If DP is “done” how much of his contract is guarenteed, and how much of a cap hit will he be for the next 12 years?
that’s over ~$50M Wang could be spending on new pools and Lexi (plural of Lexus?) for local politicians.
I guess all of our questions will be answered between 6/26 and circa 7/10.
I’m guessing that they will sign Joey Mac because the whole New England goaltender thing is way too attractive to pass up.. but come 7/1 they will be in the market for a 55 game goalie.
After [at least] two surgeries how could you go into the season with DP as a KEY component to a PROFESSIONAL team.
You gotta hope for the best, but prepare fo rthe worst! -
CB, Would you be able to to explain how his injuries effect his contract obligations, such as bonus structure, games played, early retirement due to injury etc. Just curious. Thanks.
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rb says:
based on his steady decline in popularity among Islanders fans, you would think that Ricky would take about 5 minutes out of his day to communicate to the team’s fans through this blog for a quick update
by not responding I think it makes even more fans say who cares, let’s get somebody better and more reliable in here
and BTW, anybody else read the Post today which reported that Langenbrunner had arthroscopic knee surgery after game two of Devils-Canes and was back for game six…that’s why he wears a “C”
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ME says:
I would like the Islanders to explore signing Mathieu Garon. He had a difficult year but last year he was good for Edmonton. I feel he is a better option than either Macdonald or Danis.
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Isle_in_LA says:
It’s pretty hard to play golf on crutches let alone a walker. HAHAHA
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puckhead68 says:
I would like to be positive in thinking DP will return to all star form, however I was praying he would have done so this year. It’s time he steps up and proves that he was worth drafting #1 overall. I like the guy but the team needs to have a plan B set, in case he gets injured again. Otherwise we will have the #1 pick next year as well. I can’t sit through another season like this again.
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(22) If, and I mean if, it ever comes to it and DP retires due to injury, then the remainder of his contract (no matter the year) will not count against the cap.
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Dickey says:
First off if anyone really wants to know how he is progressing just go to Oyster Bay and ask around…I have friends up there and they haven’t seen him lately but I suspect they will with the summer coming. Secondly, we’re stuck with this ass backwards contract unless he retires. HE WILL NEVER RETIRE, why would he? Let him rehab forever, they have to pay him. Wang screwed the pooch on this one more than usual.
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John says:
I think the key is the answer CB got from Snow… and Snow’s quote doesn’t deny any medical procedure, just the Rick will be ready for training camp… and really that’s what we should care about… will he be ready.
CB, I think this is a great post… love the way you wrote it. Very clever. Made me laugh.
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Scottay says:
Dipietro is the next Yashin dajavu with that contract and the lack of playing in games do to injuries.
DP has never lived up to his potential and their is a Decade left on his contract,what a blunder.
It is nice to see CB that you are starting to be more critical of this org! -
Gutty says:
I saw Dipi and it looked like he had a wooden leg. Not to start any rumors.
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Whats gave it away was the dog he was dragging down the block …not good
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Jerky says:
If nothing else, this experience must be humbling for DP. When he returns to action, I expect he’ll be keeping his mouth shut more and let his actions on the ice show what he’s made of. If he returns and fails to become even a shell of his former self, I imagine he will retire to preserve his pride. I for one would respect him for giving it his all and doing it with dignity vs. being the spoiled brat he’s been accused of in the past. I personally don’t believe he’ll ever become the goalie he could’ve been without injury and have always been critical of his inconsistent performance throughout his career, but I’m truly hoping he does defy the odds and come back better than ever.
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ALL ISLANDER FANS REVOLT!!! says:
“smoke in mirrors”
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UIF says:
The “secrecy” is par for the course, and not limited to just DP’s situation. Some organizations operate that way, and feel everything is a state secret, and the Isles are one of those organizations. Doesn’t make sense to me. The whole world knows DP’s had hip, knee, and concussion problems, so it’s not like they’re “protecting” him, and giving half-answers and spinning the situation can only last for so long until the cards are on the table and he’s either playing at 100% or he’s not. the only thing the half-answers do is fuel speculation and rumors, and make people angry if it turns out he’s not 100% next year. Unfortunately, Garth has employed this tactic so often on every subject, I don’t take anything he says seriously anymore.
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Jeff Speight says:
So lets review, what has this guy done for the organization? He loves the Island, whats to spend his career with the organization, is a positive role model, gives back to the community, plays with passion, fights for his teamates, plays hurt and has developed into an all-star goalie. How many teams would take him in a heart beat? How many coaches sing his praises along with Martin Brodeur (who know a little something about the position)? But he blew out his knee so lets run the sob out of town! Light the torches and bring the tar & feathers we meet at sundown!!!
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Greg says:
I am hoping to be 100 percent from my ACL/MCL surgery 1 year to date. Thats what my doctor said. I dont think I would have been skating 3 months after a knee surgery, though depending if it was just meniscus (sp) tear. Thats usually a month. Though I am ready to pull a mini tri before the date and it should be cake. Hopefully DP can follow my actions and want to come back 100 percent and actually do it. I dont get paid either.
Best of luck because I now injuries suck.
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Aaron says:
CB, thank you, thank you, thank you! if there is one argument that seems more intense than Tavares-Hedman, its the “DP is done” argument. It was getting so damn sickening to read everyday. Once again you swoop in to quiet the swell
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Garth does leave room for doubt…That’s why these rumor’s start…I can appreciate the basis for holding back details but this worries me a bit…Sometimes what is NOT said is more telling than what IS said…If DP wasn’t on crutches, I’m pretty sure, Snow would’ve said “he’s off crutches”…Why wouldnt he???
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Aaron, hatre to burst your bubble but isnt that what CB does here, “add” to the swell???
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Dave says:
My sister’s boyfriend’s cousin’s mother’s best friend’s grandchildren’s next door neighbor’s uncle’s step brother’s kid’s class mate’s father’s waiter at TGI Fridays said that DiPietro’s career was over.
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gutty #31……yeah well i saw DP with a wooden leg and he told me that if i said anything he’d beat me over the head with it. i told him he’d have to plug in and charge his little rascal 1st if he wanted to catch me
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Jamie says:
Craig Anderson would be a very good free agent signing for the Islanders! If Isles lose out on Anderson Nittymaki would be my second choice.
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Tony says:
Snow is the typical GM in the technology age.
If he was a straight-shooter, he would have said “Yes, Rick’s on crutches right now. He had a secondary knee procedure recently, but he’ll be ready for training camp”.
His answer makes me feel no better about DP’s condition, and it doesn’t change my opinion that Rick will never play another NHL game.
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David Volek says:
Biggest news for Isles since I scored that sweet goal… I saw Rick at Carousel. He had a large girl on each knee and seemed to be enjoying himself. He’ll be ready for ’09-’10.
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303Joe says:
I’ll believe he is healthy when he had 20 or so games back under him and he’s not back on the IR after every 5 starts for inflammation on the knees. I think he is done as a #1 goalie in the league nothing has shown us he can handle the rigors or a #1 goalie playing 60 games then handling any type of playoff run should that even happen while he is still under contract. Pick Oivier Roy, Ed Pasquale or any the top ranked goalie in this draft sign Danis or Joey Mac and get another verteran to hold the fort till this summers drafted goalie can take over in a few years.
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C.J. says:
Good to hear CB. Let’s hope so.
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#36 – I’m not forming a lynch mob, I just am a bit bitter that the DP we now have is in NO way shape or form the same DP that signed the Mega-Millions contract. Just kinda sucks, I also wonder if the conditioning staff/coaches are also the guilty ones, not just with DP, but ALL of the injuries.
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Whats are Mannino’s chances of becoming an NHL’er?
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jpa says:
Caddyshack jokes never get old.
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Ricky D is my fave player of all time and i want nothing more than to see him get a conn smythe and a stanley cup with us, even a gold medal (being that i’m from canada i always get lambasted for saying that by my friends. haha) but enough is enough. Sure i can buy them waiting until after the draft if there is bad news to tell, but somethings gotta give because the secrecy of injuries only matters during the season not the off season.
I also agree that this cryptic B.S. is getting tired as well since he was apparently in perfect health for last training camp. Tavares or not Ricky is the most important player to this franchise and the isles absolutely owe it to the fans to come clean.
If he was a-ok there wouldnt be this thread and the team would be singing it from the rooftops that he was going to rip it up this year.
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Ed in Westchester Formerly of Mastic says:
Did Langenbrunner have the same procedure as Rick?
Is Langenbrunner a goalie?no.
you cannot equate different surgeries and different positions.
The team needs to stop with the Belichekien way of information outflow
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TIM says:
who said give anderson a three year deal haha no way would i do that i would’nt even sign him one sub-par year doesn’t warrent a three year deal they didn’t even make the playoffs unbelievable some of the stuff people think
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Rick says:
Regardless of whether he’s doing well or not, a franchise goalie who has had both hips surgically repaired, had knee surgery, and now may or may not have another knee issue simply cannot be counted on. Snow better find a legitimate backup goaltender who can fill in between the pipes for extended stretches, and not retreads like McDonald & Danis. Sure, both Joey Mac & Yann had flashes of brilliance, but I don’t want either one of them back here when we simply don’t know if our #1 guy is going to be able to play a full season.
CB, can you give us any ideas what goalies might be available in the Free Agent market this coming off season?
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Jim from St James says:
My cousin has a girlfreind that knows a guy who has a brother who’s girlfreind has an aunt who works with a woman who’s husband’s uncle saw DP with his arm in a sling & a patch over his right eye.
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MJS says:
The team should probably draft a goalie who will take two or three or more years to develop this year. After that they can re-sign Danis and have him and Lawson in the minors, a good prospect still in juniors, and pick up a Manny Fernandez type. I’ve read that Craig Anderson is going to wants to find a starting job somewhere, but you never know.
Most cup contenders have either a stone wall type of goalie who plays every game, or two guys that complement each other very well (See Vancouver and Boston). If the team is high on Anderson they might want to try and sign him up under the premiss that he will play at least 35 games per season. Otherwise picking up a vet with starting experience on a one year contract is probably a solid idea. If they do either of those things, even if the Isles suck next season they probably won’t be picking #1 overall again.
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My problem here is Rick has answered any emails/texts from Botta. All he has to do is come forward and say that everything is going fine and he expects to be ready for camp. Him not answering the texts tells me there is something wrong.
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Steven says:
I just wonder if there’s any incentive for Snow to say anything other than DP will be ready for camp.
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Jethro09 says:
Anyone who suggests that DP’s career is done because of meniscal damage in his knee is a fool. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. DP is going to be fine. He’ll recover and regain his form. That doesn’t mean that he’s not susceptible to re-injury, but professional athletes don’t lose their careers to meniscal injuries. The medicine nowadays is far too advanced for that to happen.
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The best thing for DP and the Islanders is to bring him back at his own pace and to have a 1A who is capable of being a #1 in the NHL under contract when training camp starts. I know the Islanders are better with a healthy DP, and I’m not ready to write him off yet.
Also – if anybody wants a slightly positive update…The Lighthouse process moved forward just a little bit today. Click my name for more info if you’d like, since I don’t want to dominate the board.
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Dan says:
Thinking positive hoping DP makes a full recovery and returns to his 03-04 form!!
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bossy4president says:
#60….from your mouth to God’s ears.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
CB ~ I honestly have no idea how far along Rick is in his rehab … but I’m not going to assume he’s a cripple … or the perfect physique of Zeus himself … I’ll wait and see. I just want to see him healthy by camp.
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Isle be Damned says:
I’ll believe it when I see it. For now, I think it’s Rick that is going to hold this team back. Give it another 2 years and then the Isles will have a good stable core of skaters, but they won’t have a goalie because he’ll be on the IR and they’ll be forced to play the Danis and MacDonalds of the world.
I hope I’m wrong, but until Rick can show us that he can be relied on to actually make it through a full season, then I will consider him to be the black hole in the rebuilding program.
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It’s a shame that faux rumors run rabid on the http://WWW... and force DP to just ignore the media.
Even by word of mouth things can get crazy … as the coach who runs the clinic I attended proved to me last night … even as well connected as he is … he gets the weirdest rumors from hockey people all over the map. I will not even say what they are at the risk of someone running with them … LOL!
Speculation poisons the information well. I guess other than the pure entertaining value of this site … I come here because I know that CB pulls no punches and resists the urge to provide a scoop based on pure speculation … he waits for confirmation. He’s been in the biz way to long to jump the gun on a rumor.
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chip saunders says:
All I can say is,Thank God Milbury isn’t running things or he would trade the #1 overall pick for the top rated goalie prospect.
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Blizzard says: How aggressively Snow goes after a free agent goalie will be a strong indicator of DP’s overall health. I predict he will be aggressive. And DP will not play another NHL game.
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Justin says:
Tough siuation for Garth. He hopes DP is healthy enough to play 60 games or so but it would be difficult for a goalie (possibly Anderson) that wants to be a No. 1 to come here knowing his playing time rests on the unknown – whether DP is healthy enough or not. I see the Isles signing a veteran who would accept a backup role.
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The PolishPrince says:
I heard DP has swine flu.
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Paul says:
What bothers me about the DP situation is the whole Mystery of it always.
What is there to hide, crutches or not.
DP has still not proven his worth and his contract has made him Luggage for a long time. -
Garth’s secrecy isn’t why these rumors begin. The fans are drawn to the rumors like flies to some dung. There is an entire off-season to watch unfold, so don’t waste your energy on something like this until we get closer to training camp.
If Snow goes after another goalie, I hope he takes Anderson. He’s excellent.
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nystrom23 says:
Look at the Rags goin down in ranger fashion……..loving every second of this
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Isles83 says:
Without Lundquist Blue Shorts would have been battling Isles for Tavares.
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Brother Rat says:
(Not sure if this is a kosher post, but…)
YEAH Caps! I was listening online to the caps broadcasters–”and the crowd is going beserk!” What a great series!
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lets go rags says:
Karma Stew!
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volmeeezy says:
if hedmen is anything like green of the caps i wouldnt be disappointed if we wound up with him
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ken says:
happiness in islander land. i have a feeling with the rangers out of the playoffs… Garth is going to steal the headlines with declaring Tavares is our man.
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Alex O says:
# of playoff series won by the Isles this year…. zero, # of playoffs series won by the Rag$ zero, Isles reward for this…. John Tavares, Rag$ reward…. golf The Burger King couldn’t pull it off and win it for the heartless Rag$
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thank you sergei fedorov!!
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BringBackNyles says:
So we get Tavares, they get 3 home playoff games. Hope they enjoyed them
Anyone else find it ironic Torts lost his cool over sexual comments made to his Blueshirts,after benching Avery for not being disciplined?
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Chris A says:
Sergei Fedorov you have now received my vote for the Hall of Fame
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RichM says:
As an Islander fan and Ranger hater I take less delight in their loss. Tired of rooting for them to lose. I want to win. Kind of sad to have 2 game 7′s locally and the media does not care about them at all. That is bad for all hockey fans.
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Karma is a bit–. Bring Avery back, blow a 3-1 lead.
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Ive always wanted to know if there any type of injury clause in this contract?
I just don’t see how Wang, a business man, could make a contract for 15 years knowing there is a chance of a career ending injury…
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Ricky says:
DP is done. He was never good, and he never will be. Get rid of him and sign someone in the off season.
We need Tavares. DRAFT HIM!
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Greg says:
Everything that I wanted to happen,has happened.
1st-Isles Win Draft Lottery
2nd-Montreal Swept and Eliminated
3rd-Pittsburgh Advances;We Get 3rd Rounder
4th-Sharks Lose;We Get 26th Pick
5th-Blueskirts and Devils both eliminated in first round,ON THE SAME NIGHT!!!!we just need to draft tavares and sign komisarek and itll be perfect.
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lets go devs says:
Hockey in metro-area was over after Isles last game.
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I hate to say it as an Isles…but I kinda feel bad for marty broduer
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Froggy says:
Staal’s goal is the reason you draft Tavares. Perfect shot. Goal scorer’s goal.
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Dan from Westchester says:
Canes winning goal deflects off of Mike Mottau’s skate! Karma, baby, karma!
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hathead68 says:
#97 nystrom23- Brodeur himself has said in an interview 2yrs ago that he believes the sky’s the limit for DP. High praise indeed. We NEED DiPietro healthy and he deserves our support, not all the BS he gets because of the contract that ANY ONE of us would have signed!!! If he stays healthy, that contract will be a bargain for the Islanders!
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isles316 says:
I hope DP is healthy and even if he is, the Isles should prepare for the future. I have never been in love with DP and until he plays within himself and worries about just stopping the puck and not being the 7th defensemen then he will never be consistant.
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Casey (95): I know what you mean, its strange how that stuff is all working out to our advantage. The Devs loss left my mouth hanging open in shock, though… winning with a monute and change to go, and then you lose? Ouch!!!
CB: You say to expect the Isles to sign a 1B and a #3 for Bridgeport capable of being a #2. I hope so, as I have been advocating that 1A-1B idea for a while, regardless of how ready Rick is. Id rather leave him hungry to play than overwork him. As far as the #3-Bpt/#2-capable goes, how likely to you think it is to be Danis?
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dalcy says:
whether we get Tavares or Hedman we still need DP back next season or we will be gunning for the 2010 1st pick. simple as that.
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yellow hat says:
Let’s be honest. DP probably had some more complications and won’t be back for the start of the season. That doesn’t mean he is done. I have a feeling that they will take it a lot slower with him this year after last season. Garth can;t be that stupid. Face it, even if the isles got Tavares, Hedman AND Duchene they wouldnt be a cup team next yr. There is a plan and DP is probably still part of it.
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Oh by the way i work at a local golf course and DP is fine. He actually has a tee time tomorrow with Lundquist.
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hack says:
pretty sure Jose Theodore will be available after he played 1 game in that series… don’t know what that’s worth really haha but could he do worse than yann and joey?
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KLann says:
We SHall SEE
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Robby D says:
Rick is done! Who is the bigger bust, Chyzowski or DiPietro?
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John says:
So you’re saying that if Rick were using crutches the Islanders would try to keep it a secret. Perhaps he is using crutches? The Isles should release a video of DP walking 15ft assistance free. Of course I’m joking but not really.
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I like the idea of the isles picking up Fernandez for insurance .He’d actually be the perfect guy to play 40 ish while Rick plays 50 ish
thing is , Fernandez has missed his fair share of time due to knee/back problems
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dose says:
the problem is that even if the surgeries were successful and his rehab goes well, he’s still left with hips and knees that have undergone multiple surgeries and procedures. i wouldn’t expect to hear anything from the team other than what they’ve said. but to expect any player and a goalie in particular to return to top form, with no lasting damage or limitations – possibly serious – isn’t realistic.
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felix says:
DP is a franchise goalie and one of the elite ones. WHEN HEALTHY. For this reason, and the fact that we have him signed until he retires, the guy is 27 or 28 shut him down for anothre year if it means he comes back 110% healthy. we need him to go far. he does incredible things for the defense, letes then relax and play with more confidence not knowign that any mistake may be a goal. also he helsp the offense by being able to execute that long pass to the blue line as well as hendle the puck. give him one more year off if that is what it takes, who cares if we need another high draft pick next year and DP is healthy and on his level we will battle for the 8th and where will that get us.
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the1gwiz says:
I predict that all of those predicting Rick will never play another NHL game based on internet conjecture will never play another NHL game.
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There seem to be a lot of 1B-type goalies out in the league, that have had success for a year or two, or on some limited basis so that their names sound attractive. In reality, though, many formerly-solid players can be just as inconsistent and stinky as Yann and Joey Mac have been this season–and those two had some real streaks and high points.
What I want to see the Isles do is really develop their players into a team…much of that is choosing wisely, sure, but both Joey Mac and Yann are very young–yes, unproven–but they do have potential to grow and mature as players. A veteran 1B would be nice, but bringing one of those guys back (Danis) might be worthwhile.
I’m hoping Ricky will finally be fine for training camp. Crutches or not, none of us are doctors, his doctors, or privy to his medical info. No use wailing over whether he’ll be back or if that he should be gone. He is talented, and frankly that talent has validated numerous times (when he’s playing) by bigtime hockey commentators. If he’s healthy over his contract, he could get to 300 wins, easy.
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Nickey Nice says:
When healthy, DP’s pretty good (that’s a big when obviously). I think besides his amortizing contract and fragileness, what really burns me and many isle fans I’m sure is that we once did have a real franchise goalie…. We had Luongo for crying out loud. Seeing how great he is and what a tremendous goalie he is makes you want to compare our current “franchise goalie” to Luongo…. I suppose we can stop right there. Thanks Mad Mike
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Mark P says:
Cory Schneider
Corey Crawford
Josh HardingLets trade for a guy who could either be a 30 game guy or a #1 …or excellent trade bait down the road. A young highly regarded guy who is ready to be a #1.
No-one is sure if this is just a stop gap situation or if we need a long term solution…..this would put us in decent position either way.
Give up our #3…or Boston’s #2 and get a ready for a chance, high end prospect to play goal
(the kind we just don’t have) -
dontforgetozzy says:
in addition to luongo, we had another franchise goalie in the past 10 years, who also was traded in order to make way for dipietro. don’t forget about chris osgood, who has won a cup in detroit since leaving the island.
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Whoa… I like Ozzie, but franchise goalie is much for him. He’s a good, solid starter. “Franchise” is for a guy like Marty, Luongo, or (it must be admitted) Lundqvist.
RDP is basically like Ozzie right now. Good goalie. Potentially could move up to the franchise level if he’s healthy. Let’s not go way over the top about “he’s done, biggest bust since Brett Lindros” or “he’s fine, 28 shutouts next season!!1!” Camp doesn’t open for five months yet. Even if he IS on crutches it doesn’t mean he won’t be ready. It’s not like he’s wheeling around like Steven Hawking, blinking once for yes and twice for no.
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Willis says:
I hope DP comes back and uses next season to get back in top form, kinda like Sim seems to have done. MUCH better to use next season as the “see how things go with DP” experiment than the following one.
For now, I am on the “I’ll believe it when…” side. -
According to my insider information (hes a ranger fan, but he knows some people, the info is always more bitter coming from him), apparently the islanders are trying to talk him into retirement. That’s really their only way out of his contract unless someone wants to pick up that monster. They’re most likely hush about it because everyone pointed and laughed at us when we signed him in the first place and we dont want to hear “we told you so”.
That being said, i’ve also heard theres some interest for him in philly. I’d take Biron for DP any day. Even if DP makes a comeback he wont be more than 70% of what he was. Injuries really do ruin careers.
I would love to be able to give rick a standing ovation at the home opener next year. I hope is recovery is going well. When he is healthy hes a pretty damn good goalie.