DiPIETRO’S RECOVERY “NIGHT AND DAY”
Rick’s father paints optimistic view of goalie’s return
12:05 pm - Richard DiPietro, Sr. said today that his son Rick is “doing extremely well” and would be with the Islanders when training camp opens in Saskatoon in mid-September. He could not comment on a timeline for his son’s return to the lineup, but painted an extremely optimistic big picture.
Mr. DiPietro wasn’t sure if his son would be ready to start skating in August (as projected by the club), but called the improvement in his son’s surgically-repaired knee “night and day” compared to last season. He also reported that Rick’s hips – operated on by Dr. Marc Philippon in the summers of 2007 and 2008 – were “no longer a factor. In fact, they are stronger than ever.”
Richard DiPietro was a visitor at today’s opening of Islanders Prospect Minicamp, which featured the debut of John Tavares and 2009 draft pick goalies Mikko Koskinen and Anders Nilsson. Rick DiPietro, the goaltender, is getting married to his longtime girlfriend Cassie next Saturday.
Comments.
98 Responses to DiPIETRO’S RECOVERY “NIGHT AND DAY”
Rick’s father paints optimistic view of goalie’s return
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pete says:
encouraging news
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WM says:
Let’s keep our fingers crossed. Thanks for the info, Chris.
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lovin lethbridge says:
Now how many “insiders” are going to claim he went down the aisle on crutches!
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JP39 says:
This seems like very good news, especially coming from Ricky’s father. Either way, Roloson is a very solid backup plan and can provide solid goaltending until Rick is ready to go. I’d actually prefer them to split time this year whether Ricky is 100% or not…
Also — an early ‘congrats’ to Rick on his wedding next weekend…
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Uncle Jr says:
Encouraging news to say the least. Congrats to Rick and Cassie …. saw them on a plane a few off seasons ago … they were extremely nice and friendly to me and my friends.
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Between DiPietro and Roloson, plus the addition of John Tavares, and hopefully the further maturation of Bruno Gervais, the Islanders could be looking at another 10-12 wins next season, hopefully? I mean, many of the games were one-goal losses. With stellar goaltending and more of an offensive punch, it could be a significant improvement.
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Well, if nothing else, the Islanders should be interesting this year. DP has a lot to prove.
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Matt says:
glad to see rick doing well and congrats to the dipietro family on the wedding.
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CT Isles Fan says:
If he can play half of the games with Roloson the season that would be outstanding.
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Bossjones says:
I’ll believe it when I see it but it would be great to have him back.
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Can’t believe anything I hear about Ricky anymore. I’m just glad we have Roloson around this time to fill the gaps.
Congrats on the marriage Ricky. GET WELL SOON!
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bossy4president says:
What is his dad suppose to say?????? My son is falling apart and I have to oil him like the Tinman every morning before breakfast.
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Ketch says:
Quick Chris! Tell Daddy DiPietro to make sure Rick doesn’t hop on the congo line or do the limbo at his wedding. No sense having a setback on his recovery and causing another Uwe Krupp/Wings situation
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Steve says:
Why can’t Rick actually talk to someone in the media directly instead of all this second hand speculative crap? Has he gone into hiding? I think the fans deserve something from the horse’s mouth, he is supposed to be a team leader.
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Jared says:
lol, bossy4president.
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Vukota says:
Bossy4: That was great!!!! Very funny..
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GPMD says:
14 – I imagine the Isles told him not to speak to the media directly.
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Tond says:
someone tell rick hes in his last 12 years of his contract , its time to play hurt and motivated..snow job
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joedayisback says:
So, the difference is “night and day” and yet he still wont be on the ice in August. Four goalies picked up on in one week, Rick missing from the draft party and the Tavares press conf, and now this. Please, the handwriting is on the wall people. The guy is done.
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The Moose says:
Yessss, Yessss. This makes me smile.
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orngfan says:
i hope rick doesn’t attempt to carry his girl over the threshold and tear a ligament in his knee, or rupture his achilles.. maybe everyone can just walk into the room on their own.. for the sake of the team
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rb says:
Rick who?
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stevedepot says:
“Mr. DiPietro wasn’t sure if his son would be ready to start skating in August (as projected by the club)”
The above tells us nothing new than what we heard from Snow in addition to the positive outlook DiPietro senior has for his loving son. I respect peoples opinion and optimism but I just don’t see how so many here can post how great this news is when it really isn’t any better than the conjecture we’ve heard before.
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TIM says:
steve on #14 DP has gone into hiding i think no media relations no apperances this story is to fishy there’s something very wrong with DP and i don’t expect him to play more than another 5 games this coming year i think he’s done for good
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ME says:
I don’t understand how anyone can say Dipietro feels good and will be ready for training camp in one instance and then say we just don’t know when he will be ready to play. So in actuality he won’t be ready for camp, all he is doing is attending it and trying it out to see if he can hack it. So he is not ready and might not ever be ready.
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dmoney says:
So, is Munroe gonna be the quality backup the Isles can trust to start the year behind Roloson? Or is Rick gonna sit on the bench and pray that Rollie doesn’t get hurt because he’s another Joey Mac or Yann Danis?
If he’s remotely capable, Munroe should be pretty stoked knowing that he’ll probably get more games than Rick at least at the start of the season…
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derekkingforpres says:
In other news, my dad says I’m a nice guy. lol.
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IfLovingYouIsWangIDontWantToBeRight says:
Congrats on upcoming nuptials, Rick.
Careful with that groin.
May not be news, but at least it’s not a retirement announcement.
Even if DiPietro comes back by December, it’s hard for me to believe he’s going to jump back in and play 50 games, or any other ridiculous nonsense, and essentially pick up where he was before Steve Begin kicked him in the head 2+ years ago…It’s going to take a while for him to regain his game…if he can.
In the meantime, how about a decent veteran winger and defenseman, Garthy Poo. Or has it all been spent on Ricky Rehab’s place setting?
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Ann Aquarian says:
I remain skeptical. When a team makes such a move for goalies as we have, it’s hard not to be.
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SCLI says:
#21 JOEDAY, I agree. Night and day? Last year he couldnt walk! This year he’s walking! Sorry to say but, DP’s career as a full time starting goalie are over!
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PSM1966 says:
Never a fan of Ricks but a healthy Rick could equate to 10-14 points in the stand. In fact a healthy team period will make a big difference in the standings.
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Marc from Troy says:
6 – Thanks for that. How’s that reading coming along? Get through it yet?
15 – You’re probably right – which really makes me wonder how the organization feels about Rick’s dad putting this out there. Perhaps CB could ask around…?
17 – While it is true that the Isles “picked up” 4 goalies recently, that number includes one (Nilsson) who won’t even be coming to North America for at least one year (probably more) – so for practical purposes let’s call it 3. But they’ve also LOST 3 goalies who were part of the organization last year, as Danis, MacDonald, and Mannino are not coming back. That nets out to NO CHANGE IN THE NUMBER OF GOALIES PLAYING FOR NYI/BRIDGEPORT THIS YEAR. When he’s ready, DiPietro/Roloson on the Island, Munroe/Lawson/Koskinen @ Bridge. Until then, Roloson/Munroe on the Island. See?
And, unless I missed someone, the only current player at the draft party was Tim Jackman. The only current player at JT’s press conference was Josh Bailey. That means damn near every current player missed those two events. So why, exactly, did DiPietro have to be there? To make you happy?
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Madchef says:
listen we all know the scrutiny will not stop till he has played well and played at least 15 games.. It is nice to get any info especially positive about him. No his dad is not gonna say anythnig negative but he also does not have to say anything. I dont blame Rick for not talking to the media, as people suck in general and will continue the negative twist on his knee. We all know he is a competitor. I would think the work he has needed to put himself through to get back is substantial. its not his fault he has this huge contract. I hope he comes back better than ever although being a lifer it prolly has no chance
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Jerky says:
I hope DP returns sooner rather than later, but let’s be realistic here … he not only has to recover from the multiple injuries and surgeries but also has to strengthen the lower half of his body from atrophe which I imagine will take several months before being able to endure NHL-level play. Just because he gets back on the ice in September, puts on goalie gear and maybe even makes a few practice saves does not put him anywhere near a return to the lineup. Plus one would imagine they will have him rehab at Bridgeport for 10-20 games before rejoining the big club. I see a return no earlier than the All-Star game … unless management wants to risk further injury to the man, which one would hope is not the case.
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dose says:
maybe there’s some specific reason for his dad to put this out there, i don’t know, but still, i take the man at his word and am starting to get scared. JT in the fold, real movement and positive signs re: the LH, and now DP too. how is this possible?
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Can we all just chill out a little? Can’t we just wait and see when August comes around?
Best of luck DP on your recovery and Congrats.
Maybe DP and DR can split games through the 1st half, and then as DP gains his agility and quickness back, maybe make it an every 3rd-5th game DR will step in.
Whatever. Just get healthy!
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Wait, it was Begin’s fault?
Uh, how about the goalie stays where he belongs, and if he takes the risk of coming out that far he doesn’t slide into another player’s leg. Wow, blaming Begin, that’s a stretch.
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Marc says:
Congrats, Rick. All of us are hoping you can get down the aisle in one piece and without a wheelchair! Hope to have you back in the lineup soon.
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In other goalie news Yann Danis just signed with the Devils. Goodluck Yann.
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Staten Islander says:
2 things…1st, i’ll be happy with 30 games from him, 2nd, i hope the wedding night doesn’t get get too “wild” if you get my drift
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KrisBeKreame says:
We could alway bring Steve Begin Here like we did with Ted Danato after he tried to use his skate to slice Pilon Open.
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Hockey83 says:
Congrats to Rick and Cassie. Although I’ll wait to judge Rick’s health when I see him play a full week of games. Nice to see his dad still hanging around with the organization though.
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Tavares #1 says:
I agree with #20. No DP at the JT press conference is because they do not want the fans to see DP hobbling along.
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Mikey says:
I’m sure Rick’s dad wishes his son all the best, but this organization has done nothing to give us any optimism about his condition. Rick is in hiding and does not respond to media inquiries. The organization repeatedly provides vague statements on his health, and we acquired 4 goaltenders in one week. The writing is on the wall folks. Koskie is our goalie of the future. Do not get your hopes up about Ricky’s return. It’s time for us to move on, unless we hear otherwise. I will not believe that Rick is healed until he plays 10 games with the club.
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Jim Clark says: Which medical school did DP Sr go to? It’s nice that he is walking better but that’s a LONG way from being an All Star goalie. Let’s also hope the Islanders drop the cloak-and-dagger about being reticent on injuries. They got a 30th place finish with it last year.
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Swan says:
I agree with Alex (#12) and Bossy (#13). Not credible information. My mom commenting on my current job performance is at the same level of nonsense chatter.
Enough talk. The proof of DiPietro’s health will be his availability on the ice. I don’t care what Rick’s grandmother’s cousin will say next week.
Personally, I have moved on and I’m glad to see the Organization has started to as well. Even his dad mentioned Rick would likely not be ready to skate in August. Plus, even when Rick was healthy he was not a top 10 goaltender, at least shown by his stats. I’m am looking forward to, and greatly prefer, watching Roloson instead and seeing how Koskinen develops.
Even when DP is healthy, Roloson is the better goalie and has had the far better career.
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Brian G says:
Devils new back-up goalie – Yan Danis
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Original Rob says:
I certainly appreciate the news update, but it means nothing to me. At this point, the writing on the wall is so blatantly pointing to sheer uncertainty with DP’s health. Two consecutive goalie draft picks way higher than they were projected to be drafted…
The biggest thing though, is how shielded DP has been from the media. This guy, until Tavares, WAS the franchise, and that’s how the team wanted it. And now he is being completely hidden from public view. These are not good indications, regardless of what Daddy has to say.
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Wow, Mikey #45, I probably should’ve read your post before essentially paraphrasing it with mine, sorry
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RichM says:
Yawn!
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SS says:
Yann Danis in NJ will make Martin Brodeur the next Wally Pipp.
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Marc from Troy…………Rick D is the one Islande who lives on Long Island year round. Considering he is signed for 12 more years and is such a big part of the team supposedly, don’t you find it odd he was not at the draft or the JT press conf? Know the facts.
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303Joe says:
Ahh I’ll believe DP is healthy when is able to actually play in games and not be scratched for a few weeks waiting for his body to heal after each start.
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West Coast Fan says:
Night and day: last year he showed up at the propsect camp on crutches. This year he was in a wheelchair…
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isles99 says:
for those of you whp don’t know, dp had 2 knee surgeries this year according to bd gallof…depite the pretty picture painted by rick dipietro senior….rick will not be back in game shape until christmas at the earliest….remember skating does not mean that dp will play
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Jim says:
don’t believe the propaganda.
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Glen S says:
When I first see Rick at team function or in public I won’t believe a thing the isles are saying. As far as his dad that for the insight I hope it’s all good for Rick and that he can return at or around the start of the season. But like some of the poster’s on here where has he been. No draft party no press conference so and so on, after all he was a #1 pick also maybe right after Garth said the Isles select John Taveras Rick should’ve WALKED out to the crowd at the coliseum that night as he would addad to an already special night. Hey Islander’s why all the security surrounding Rick if you say he’s fine then show the fan’s just that. Cause with a healthy Rick even for 45 or 50 game’s were a much improved team, maybe not playoff’s but much better then last season tandem of Joey Mc and Danis.
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Ryan says:
Swan (46): While I agree that this speculation is pointless between now and October 3, the fact is that DiPietro Sr. and son are incredibly close, with Sr. actively helping to manage his son’s career. What he says can be given weight. Whether it’s spin or not is yet to be determined.
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… and Isles fans are left to wonder why a relative is at the practice, not the actual player?
Under the circumstances its natural to be skeptical. How much was Mr. DiPietro paid for his appearence? ‘; ) -
51 – I know the facts very well, thanks. I was at the draft party, and I’ve seen the pictures from the press conference. The facts are that exactly one current player was at each of those events. Is the team keeping Rick out of the spotlight? Of course they are. Probably for his benefit. Just concentrate on your rehab, please. If the entire team was at either of those events, but DiPietro wasn’t, then you’ve got a story. But since that wasn’t the case, what we’ve gotten since then are people trying to connect dots that don’t exist. The sky is falling – again – because the team acquired 4 new goalies… this, despite the FACT that they also lost 3 of them. The sky is falling – again – because DiPietro didn’t attend a couple of dog and pony shows… this, despite the FACT that most of the rest of his teammates did the exact same thing.
Could we please just see what happens come training camp before we say DiPietro’s done for this season, much less done for good? Probably not…
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Ed J says:
Great job CB!!! and congrats Ricky!!!
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Can you imagine the distraction added to a press conference welcoming John Tavares to Long Island if DP showed up? That was a good decision by all involved (Ricky too I’m sure.)
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Ryan (55), my mom and I are also incredibly close. Doesn’t mean she is an unbiased source of my job readiness. Or an appropriate, professional source.
This is the only time I remember agreeing with something isles99 (54) posted. If Rick is not guaranteed to be skating in August (as per Rick Sr.), then he is not going to be in game shape until well after the season starts. December is a good estimate.
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jimmy mac says:
Now that Danis is NJ backup… are Isles fans going to wat to sign him again next year…lol.
If Ricky plays… it should be no more than 30 games.
Let Ricky back up Roloson for a year, then vice versa next year.
2010,11 we make the playoffs, and actually win the first round.
Taylor Hall is next.
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Nick says:
Both ricks are full of it, I work at restaraunt near iceworks in syosset and Rick Jr. always stops in for some lunch, the other day he was limping out to his car…I think theres still a big problem with his lower body…
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jpa says:
Ut oh. We haven’t seen or heard from okposo all summer. He’s a huge part of the rebuild! Why wasn’t he at the draft party or the press conference? Something is definately up. I bet he’s hurt and misses the next 2 years.
DPs father could have said the recovery has been rough, or that he’s still sore or any number of things. Yes, the isles needed to aquire goalies regardless of DPs health. Believe whatever you want, but would you rather have heard him say DP wouldn’t ever be competative again? Would we have questioned him then, I wonder?
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Mr. DiPietro saying he was unsure if his son would be ready to start skating in August is what hhe HAD to say when faced with a question like that. Think about it- he cannot speak for Rick OR for the Islanders, right? However, what the man ELECTED to say is that his son is doing well- and remember he didnt have to say anything at all to CB.
Every day people ask for info- something, anything. You get something, so what is anyone complaining over now? Here, another source says he is doing better and better… and that is all anyone with a rational mind can really ask for at this point.
Personally, if Rick plays 30-40 games this upcoming season in TOTAL I would consider that outstanding- and a great sign for him and his longterm career.
Congrats to Rick and his fiancee… I hope their wedding is wonderful. And on that note, my condolences to all the single girls on LI lol.
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Brooks Simpson says:
Well. let’s see if Rick can walk down the aisle before we determine whether he’s fit to work out with the Isles.
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D-man says:
why would anyone trust that man? i mean think about it… his loins gave forth the evil, controlling, ego-maniacal, money sucking, wandering from net, franchise destroying, injury causing, mediocre goaltending monster that DP is… so why would the father of such a hideous monstrous terrible person be believable? it’s all a trick by the dipietro’s and wang… a conspiracy to destroy a loyal, positive and supportive fanbase. and milbury. he’s involved also. behind the scenes. controlling everything.
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miket239 says:
What else is a father going to say? As an Isles fan, I see an Isles future WITHOUT Ricky D. Its the only way to look at it IMO. If he does make a miraculous comeback and play 50+ games, great. But I do not see it. And even if he did actually, I’d be prepared for him do go on the extended DL once again at ANY moment. Thats just not the way for success.
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Strummer's Army says:
YA! GOOD NEWS from Mr. DiPietro on Rick! That our goalie and the best news with good get with Tavares coming here now too and Okposo and Bailey. The stars are starting to line up for the Isles.
Congrats to Ricky on getting married wish you a lifelong and happy & healthy marriage!
Now Garth go out and get some tough d-men and some more fighters on this team to protect your franchise goalie and your franchise players and all the rest.
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JD (e_godard) says:
The Rick shall return.
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DP says:
Whatever. Time will tell all . . .
anyone know if Joey Mac signed with anyone?? -
TuxTax says:
I’m just hoping he gets healthy when the team is ready to have a winning season. Until then get better and congrats on the Wedding.
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Angry Bill says:
I too am a skeptical but sure hope there is some truth to this. Best of luck Rick and Congrats on the Wedding.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
LOLOLOL bossy4president … that was great … but on a serious note … I think his dad could of been more obtuse if he wasn’t sure … The fact he said Night and Day is an optimistic nugget we can hope for … and I know the Isles’ future still is in DiPi’s capable glove hand.
If Rick splits with Rolo 50% of the time it gives both goalies a chance to push each other without burning out.
Rick … Congrats on the upcoming nuptuals … and here’s to a Bill Masterton season … (I know … somehow this became a comeback award.)
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Pete says:
Maybe Rick is taking a page out of Garth’s book & is just building up the hype?
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i hope Rick reads this…big fan of his, frustrated by his situation of course, but pulling for him like no other. I wish him the best with the health (either way) and his marriage as well! Congrats!!
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Tim says:
So now we’re relying on players’ fathers for injury reports? Why is this even worth writing about?
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Tangowithalex says:
You’re all ridiculous! If this was negative news everyone would believe every bit of it. Everyone went from happiness on June 26th right back to surrounding ourselves with negativity again.
Based on what Chris posts each day… I think he might even be feeling a little more optimistic also after this.
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AveryinPanties says:
I wonder what his Dad said last year about Rick. DP will never be the goalie he could have been because of the injuries. I just hope that one of the giants pan out and become a solid NHL goalie. He will never be the goalie that Fluery has become. Fleury had a hard time with the hype at first and I myself was skeptical and critical. Well DP will go down as a #1 pick bust.
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Jeff says:
I agree with Marc from Troy, one Islander player at each event. I look at it this way though: not only did his father not have to say anything, Rick DiPietro’s father did not even have to show up at the mini camp. If there was only bad news, I do not think his dad would be anywhere near a team function with media around, especially in the light of Tavares being here now. But I also agree with what was said. If you are skating, does not mean he will be ready to play net yet. That being said, Roloson will be key for the success of this team in the first half I believe. I do believe Rick’s father when he stated I am not sure if he will be ready to skate by mid August. I still look at his dad at the event to be a positive sign. No way does any of Rick’s family, or closest friends go anywhere near where the media is expected to be if this is bad news since the Islanders would announce bad news before the media would speak to the respective party. More encouraging news, if you watched Islanders TV, Rick actually called Tavares to congradulate him on being picked number one overall. If Rick was definitely done for good, I dont think he would have called to congradulate him for being down in the dumps of his situation. Rick DiPietro now should concentrate on getting rehabbed, getting stronger, and his up coming wedding and honeymoon. Congradulations to Rick and his fiancee (soon to be wife) on the coming wedding.
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#83: you are sadly what islander fans have become
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#83 Fluery might not be a CUP winner but no one considers him an elite goalie, he has a ton of flaws in his game.
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Brother Rat says:
DP fans rejoice! I’m glad he didn’t show up for JT mania as he casts a large shadow.
For the umpteenth time, DP initially went in for meniscus surgery on his knee, which means he tore his cartilage–and that is easy to tear. Often meniscus tears lead to inflammation, even with a good scope, and heal slowly. Rehab can be painful and aggressive, and can trigger swelling, too. I tore my right lateral meniscus in 2005 but didn’t need surgery (rest & rehab was fine for me, as I’m not a pro athlete), and I swelled up a bit in rehab. None of what I heard that Rick may have had (tearing, second surgery, etc.) seem out of the ordinary for that injury. It’s not a structural problem, like with ligaments or tendons or anything, and it’s not just a question of needing to strengthen the knee–which is also usually for stability issues, like with ligament problems. You can’t assume that the second surgery was for anything more than either swelling or to take another look around to see how it’s healing….meaning, there’s no reason to suggest anything like narsty ligament problems. But, with meniscus tears, we can’t know how bad, how much was shaved in the first arthro (or second), and how much cartilage is left. I hope he’s fine–plenty of athletes come back from torn menisci–and he should be fine unless things are more complicated or he’s got bone-to-bone rubbing. I’m no doctor, but this is what I remember from when I tore mine.
Anyway, Congrats to Rick and Cassandra…for the curious, they’ve been registered at Bloomies for months…
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bob l says:
next week, if his wife has to carry him over the threshold, then we know he wont be playing goalie any time soon =)
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blitz says:
If DP comes back, then maybe NYI can ice one the goaltenders as d-man instead of the current lackluster, injury riddled, below-average group that NYI currently have on the books.
NYI should have JT play with BST camp because that’s the defense he should expect behind him in the NHL most of the season…
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bloody skull says:
Unfortuantely I think post number 54 nailed. I personally would not expect any other news from Ricky’s father. I think this has “short career” written all over it. Ricky is one knee or hip injury away from being paid by the insurance company for life.
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I’m happy Ricky appears to be better and thrilled we have Roloson, but at the end of the day the Islanders’ fortunes next year will hinge on goal-scoring, as it has been for most of the last 15 years.
If Garth is going to bite the bullet this season and stay away from UFAs or established talent in trades, so be it, but I believe there are moves to be made to make us a legitimately fun team to watch in 2009-10.
Tanguay is sitting there. This signing hurts no one.
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Isles_Goal says:
nice to hear from his Dad…but where in the heck is Rick DiPietro???
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hathead68 says:
Congrats Rick and Cassie, and to both families. Rick, can’t wait to see you back in net.
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Erika says:
Once again TGC’s Daddy steps in…is HE telling the truth? Even he says Jr may not be ready by August. All you ever hear is he’s doing well…he’s doing well….please!!
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Holland says:
A healthy DP would be the most impressive addition to the line-up this year (together with JT off course). I just don’t understand why Garth didn’t sign a good defensive player. Except for Streit and Gervais it’s bad.
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George M says:
I dont understand why all u people are so negative the guy got hip surgery and knee surgery it takes time to heal wow for all you who say this kid is done i cant wait to hear you when hes back and playin great ….all you who say hes done go get 3 surgerys and play within a year not likely to happen healing takes time hes fine …….stop being so negative
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19404ever says:
LOL, Bossyforprez, good stuff, and very true, from a father’s point of view. Let’s hope DP can give us a split on the season with Roloson, and as noted above by other fans, ALOT of last year’s early loses were by one goal, maybe we can sniff around for an 8th seed late in the season! LET’S GO ISLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now that is some good news. if RD can start 50 games, I would add 20 points to our season vs. last season right of fthe bat.