RICK DiPIETRO IS RIGHT ON SCHEDULE
But what’s the schedule? What’s the plan?
10:20 am - Rick DiPietro and the Islanders say the goaltender’s rehabilitation is right on schedule. They left out the part in their discusson with Newsday about what that “schedule” actually is - does he return to the NHL in October, November, in time for the second half? But that’s just quibbling over minor details.
As much as anyone, I’m delighted to learn DiPietro’s “progress has not suffered any sort of setback” (really? Like, ever or just in the last few weeks?) and to hear him say that “this year I’ll be ready.” My respect for DiPietro has been shared - and often mocked! - since the birth of this blog.
In June of 2008, DiPietro underwent what the Islanders later termed “minor” surgery on the meniscus in his left knee. If you recall, the Islanders did not make the announcement. Rick talked about this procedure on an appearance on the “Bubba the Love Sponge” show on Sirius radio.
After playing just the final game of the exhibition season in September of 2008, he sat on the bench as a “healthy” backup while Joey McDonald started the first four games of the season. He played two games before a “lower-body injury” kept him out of the lineup and he had another knee surgery, announced on Nov. 1, 2008.
He made a somewhat shocking return in a victory at home over Toronto on Dec. 26 and played Jan. 2 in Phoenix. He didn’t play the rest of the season because of “swelling” in the surgically repaired knee. After the franchise player sat on the bench some more as a “healthy” backup, on January 20 the team made the formal announcement via conference call that DiPietro was done for the season.
Despite mounting evidence that the goalie may have had another medical procedure sometime in February or March, the Islanders have not confirmed that a third knee surgery took place over the last year to go with the hip surgeries he had in 2007 and 2008.
Nevertheless, as an admirer of the player and the person, I’m very happy to hear DiPietro is right on schedule.
When Rick returns right on schedule at his and the team’s stated goal of “100%” and when he represents the United States in the Olympics in February, there could be a time to reassess the events of this summer. After all, besides the slam dunk drafting of John Tavares and the costly maneuver to select defenseman Calvin de Haan, the only major moves the Islanders made were to upgrade their goaltending.
The Islanders - who did not spend big money at any other position in the free agent market - invested $3.9 million for this season in a pair of quality NHL veterans, Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron. Excellent signings without question, but if DiPietro was right on schedule did they need both? You could make the case they didn’t need both even if DiPietro wasn’t almost ready. The Islanders still have plenty of needs at forward and defense. Since they want to stay near the salary cap floor for now, some of that money could have gone for more skill or toughness.
With the first pick of Day 2 of the NHL Draft, the Islanders had the entire board to choose from at the top of the second round. Impressive prospect forwards such as Landon Ferraro, Ryan O’Reilly, Jeremy Morin, Carl Klingsberg, Zach Budish (a very strong U.S. junior evaluation camp, by the way) and Drew Shore were available. On defense, they could have chosen from Matt Clark, Charles Olivier-Roussel, Stefan Elliot, William Wren and many more. The Islanders chose 21-year old Finnish goaltender Mikko Koskinen.
With fewer picks than they started the weekend with because of the trade to get de Haan, the Islanders did hold on to the first pick of the third round. Apparently not convinced the goalie prospect chart was adequately filled by the 6-6 Koskinen, Swedish Elite leaguer Stefan Ridderwall, impressive Quebec League netminder Kevin Poulin and 2006 draft pick Jase Weslosky - just ruled “academically ineligible” at St. Cloud State, not exactly the Ivy League - the Islanders ignored other talents at forward and D and took 18-year old Swedish goalie Anders Nilsson.
You can say Nilsson and Koskinen - who at 21 has to be a more evolved prospect - do not have anything to do with today or the next few years. You can also look at today’s happy prognosis from DiPietro and Garth Snow and the 12 years left on his contract and wonder about the Islanders’ Summer of Goalie Glove. If DiPietro is going to be just fine in the very, very long run, what was it all for?
But that really is for another day. It’s just good to learn this morning that while Biron has been in full pads for a month facing shots from Tim Connolly and Patrick Kane, DiPietro - whose last announced surgery was ten months ago - “skated lightly” on Thursday. It’s good to hear Rick will skate some more this week and eventually “get into pads.”
It’s good to hear Rick DiPietro is right on schedule.
Have no fear, I can’t wait to get off this subject either. I should have a light, fun, little story later today.
And thank you so much for the support of my story on SNY.
61 Responses to “RICK DiPIETRO IS RIGHT ON SCHEDULE
But what’s the schedule? What’s the plan?”
Please Wait
Tough but very fair, CB. Good stuff!
Happy to give the SNY story support…as for Rico (man, how I hate that DP stuff) no need for him to rush…if 100% he is a world class goalie, and the Isles will need him to take the next steps as a franchise, if he is, that is, able to be what he was.
Excellent write up CB and yes, “internet report” stood out to me too.
the whole “internet report” is indicative of why people don’t read/follow/or care about newspapers anymore. for those of us following the “internet report” its a slap in the face. the inability of the newspaper industry to realize there are other reporters out there, not on their payroll, will further speed up their already inevitable decline
terrible job of indepth reporting by newsday again
They should have drafted Ferraro or Morin instead of Koskinen in the second round. No need for three NHL quality goalies, two top prospect goalies, and like three more depth goalies. They should have spared Koskinen and had Ferraro or Morin instead.
“…this is just an “Internet report.”…..
Is that a slap at Katie Strang’s reference to this blog?
For one time this organization has an abundance of depth at one position (goalie) and all the fans are whining about it. I know we aren’t use to this, but there is another way of looking at this. If DP gets healthy for the long term and Koskinen and Nilsson develop into solid goalies, they can TRADE them. I know this is a revolutionary idea, but it has happened before. So say in 4 years, the Islanders really need a young and solid dman for a playoff run. Having a strong goaltender as trade bait is a very good bargaining tool. Let’s lay off Garth about the goalie situation for a while and let it all play out.
AS you have stated- we are stacked with goalies. No one has been able to explain why we need so many even if we count DP’s career over. Possible explanations; Snow likes that position for obvious reasons, Snow is going to use them as trading pieces because when a team loses one to injury they are desperate and will pay a high price, Snow sees our obvious lack of scoring and rather than addressing that with a limited budget, hopes to keep the score down. Still the most glaring need is an enforcer to protect our young and not particularly big players from being mauled. Remember even the real fear of injury discourages the development of talent. Lots of goalies wouldn’t help!
You sound like one of those bitter scum sucker reports that are pissed about Bret Favre. Don’t go down this path; you’re better than that.
Internet report. Newsday has some balls writing that when their coverage of Long Islands only professional sports franchise is next to nill. Sorry to be crass, but this really irks me. Katie Strang is a neophyte. I picked up that comment reading the article right away. Strang isnt doing herself any favors trying to marginalize the only real source for Islander information regardless of the medium its presented on. As for DP, as much as I liked him and apprciated his work ethic and ability but he has become an albatross for this organization. CB said it best, with out the DP fiasco maybe we could have focused more on some forward skill in the draft and free agency. In addition who is to say DP will be the goalie he was before injury, and when will his knee pop again once he does start playing. If he ever does. If DP becomes the franchise goalie again, and thats a big if, the big Finn will be a moot point, not to mention the other goalies drafted. And a wasted draft pick. I dont think Garth is that stupid. He sees the writing on the wall. And Biron and Rolosson are privey to it.
At what point will it be valid to start referring to DiPietro as “the biggest bust as a #1 overall pick in NHL history.”
I’m starting to believe that the time has arrived–and that includes Patrick Stefan and Alexandre Daigle.
He’s milking it, and Garth is letting him. Why come back to a shitty team when you can sit at home and get paid the same amount?
I never trusted Rick and his loyalty after watching the way he played after injuries (even in the All star game) knowing you just can’t play that way as a goalie, especially one with nagging injuries who’s signed on for over a decade.
This guy continues to do whatever he wants, consequences be damned. So, he doesn’t think he should focus on the Isles and not worry about the Olympics? He continues to be an immature headcase who thinks he knows better than everyone else.
Newsflash DP, you may not even make the Olympic team. Thomas and Miller are better than you and Quick is an up and comer who will be even better this year. Focus on getting healthy and helping the Isles, although I’m pretty sure you’re done.
And please, stop with the “world-class” stuff. He was never world class, he was never top 10 in the NHL. World class goalies are Brodeur, Lundqvist, Luongo, Thomas (although he is unorthodox) and maybe Backstrom. And that is it.
Just worry about getting better so you can lead a normal/relatively pain free life.
I give more creedence and respect these days to *this* internet site than virtually ANY newspaper including the N.Y. Times! Amazing how the Islanders are so covert, cryptic and hush-hush about things sometimes…I mean, come on! We’re at the bottom of the league and bottom of the Salary Cap…What exactly is all of the BS for?
Good post. After all you have done to promote Katie, I was surprised to see she referred to Point Blank as an “internet report”. What a slap in the face.
In hindsight, playfully referring to the “Internet report” thing was pretty weak. It came off personally toward Katie, which is not what I should do. As a person and a pro, she is good people. Besides, Newsday’s use of the term “Internet report” is more likely an editorial decision and not Katie’s.
On the hockey side, I wouldn’t go too nuts about the potential for goalie trades. Luongo wasn’t traded for much (twice). Goalie prospects like Harding and Schneider stay locked in because their teams are not getting great offers. The vets might bring back a 2nd or 3rd pick. Nilsson down the road…better than the first pick in the third round?
Appreciate the feedback from everyone…CB
Chris,
Good rebuttal piece,to the spoon fed drivel Isles dictated to Strang at Newsday. Methinks the Isles doth protest too much. Chris face it you ticked them off. Anyway they are set in goal for the season– that’s what counts- -, much more media focus should be on how the team gels at camp and how offense and defense can improve for the coming season.
it was an internet report you meatheads, what do you want her to call it? a tv report or maybe a radio report? grow up
I truly suspect that DP has played his last game in the NHL. That’s sad for DP and I don’t know how much that will cost Mr. Wang or how much is covered by insurance, but from a pure on ice standpoint, that’s not a bad thing for the Isles. Whatever promise he may have had, he never developed into a winner.
what is the insurance coverage, chris???
I know when they were talking the contract, much was said that they cant get coverage for anything over 10 years(?) and Wang would have to self insure–Then a few weeks later the 15 year deal was announced–Any info on that?
I find it interesting that Chris repeatedly asked Isles for comment on DP and got no response.
Chris told them he was going to run the first story and they didn’t comment.
Hours after the story is published, Newsday runs the ridiculous fluff piece on DP with “exclusive” comments that amount to nothing.
Isles PR really needs to “change the conversation” to Tavares is here and we are gearing up for camp!
Chris,
I can’t help but notice a change in, uh, “tone” in your writing since the Islanders cut off sponsorship of your blog. Believe me… I’m not complaining. Not one bit. In fact, even if it HAS changed, I still have no complaint about the former “tone”. I love your blog. I’m just curious to know if you’ve consciously decided not to hold back saying things you would have otherwise not said had the relationship with the team not changed.
Apologies in advance if you feel this is ‘off topic’.
The NFL must disclose injuries for obvious reasons. Parlay anyone? Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t it Pat Quinn who started this upper body / lower body nonsense? Now look at what it has become. As much as I love the NYI, I really hate the way they’re going about this DP affair. It’s just bad PR, no offense CB.
I’m not saying it matters much because this projects to be another rebuilding season, but the Islanders going after 6 goalies reminds me of what the Mets did this past offseason - overreacting to the most glaring team need while overlooking other depth issues. Again, this is not a real apples to apples comparison since the Islanders are more than a piece or two away (or so we thought with Los Mets). Additionally, I figure the Isles will be eminently more watchable with competent goaltending on a nightly basis.
I am pretty sure Rick’s last game was not the Maple Leaf game. Didn’t he play one more game in Phoenix early in 2009?
Ouch, the facts hurt. But a good read!
Botta,
Was the SNY article a test run for your full time job? If it is i’m sure you cant speak about it. Very exciting if true.
It should be noted DiPietro’s last game was not against Toronto, it was against Phoenix on 1/2/09.
Thanks for the catch, Bill and Goislesgo…CB
@Cincy - Agreed. I used to “read between the lines” of this blog, now it’s all quite plainly laid out for us. Not complaining about the presentation now, nor of how it was presented before. I do wish that there was amore of a cooperative air to how the Islanders organization treats its communication lines.
If anything, I think it’s great - and very telling - that one piece by CB immediately gets the Islanders talking to the media about DP, whereas they’ve otherwise been silent about him for as long as anyone can remember. That’s tremendous influence, and SNY (and other outlets) should sit up and take notice.
The only thing I want to read about Dipietro is that he was either (a) waived or (B) bought out.
As for Dipietro on the US Olympic team, that’s a real hoot. Like Comment 13 said, the battle’s between Miller and Thomas with other possibilities for 3rd string. Unless Dipietro’s gonna be the stick boy, he’s not even part of the discussion.
Let the Isles say what they want. Their actions speak louder than words. DP is not even close to playing this season IMO - sad but true.
We have turned a page with many but I still get the feeling if Rick can never be 100% of what he was, and if people think he’s still going to be a “world class goaltender” (Khazakstan’s goalie was technically “world class?”)…..if Koskinen, Poulin or whomever become BETTER than Rick, people will wonder what we can get for him rather than desire better netminding than we have in Rick.
Sounds like a cult figure?
I think it’s better to be better than to continue hoping our plan pays dividends. I mean people lose fortunes in business waiting for their “Ricks” to arrive. Change, adapt, conquer.
While everyone hangs Garth for the Draft/Signings of all the goalies, two points-
Roly the goalie is almost 40, if he gets hurt badly he is done…
Biron was let go by a team that could ( and should ) go deep in the playoffs, what does that say?
As for the two draftees, one word “Henrik”, the Isles are hoping to do the same thing that sather did, get lucky with a large, under the radar, Euro goalie. These guys might not be ready for another 3-4 years, what’s henrik? 28, 29?
Munroe is an AHL/3rd guy anyway, and having the other two guys fill out the AHL & ECHL spots is good common sense.
I still think the decision to not officially sit DP for the year is a Cap thing, can anybody comment?????
This is just what the Islander’s don’t need. The core of their (incredibly) loyal fanbase get pissed off because they feel that the organization is not coming clean. Do the Islanders think that by telling people that DP is REALLY hurt, they will sell less tickets? I know it won’t impact me. I’d be less inclined to give them my money to them if they keep trying to put up this ridiculous front. Do they think we are idiots?
I certainly hope that the Yotes game wasn’t DP’s last. I was actually at that game about three rows up behind the net wearing my Orange DP jersey cheering him on despite a lackluster game. He definitely was not in form, you could tell between plays and in general. Injuries are terrible, especially on a goalie, which is such an important role, let’s hope he’ll be back in form soon and stealing us some games.
i have supported garth throughout his tenure. i loved the smyth trade at the time and would do it again. i love the stockpiling of picks last year, and was encouraged when it looked like we were going to have multiple picks again this year. then halfway through the first round, i swear milbury took over garths brain. first he gives up a lot of picks to get a relative unknown kid that would have lasted later on in the round. a kid years from nhl ready on defense. i could still defend this pick if they loved de Haan this much. but then they take an overage goalie who should play small forward in the nba. 21 year olds shouldnt be picked that high, especially when there are offensive difference makers still left (and you have very few in your organization). But ok, maybe he’s the next Lundquist, si i’ll still give you a pass. So WHY TAKE ANOTHER GOALIE NEXT IF YOU LOVE THE FIRST ONE SO MUCH?? you can only play one, no. If you werent sure about the FINN, don’t take him so high. So stupid.
Then in Free agency, we sign a true #1 goalie. Super job. Gives us a backbone, with or without DP. Then Milbury shows again. WE SIGN ANOTHER #1 goalie. And we are supposed to believe a 3rd #1 goalie will be back soon?? IF we believe that, we are stupid. If he does come back Garth is a moron. take your pick. either Garth is a liar, or Garth is stupid.
I thought the Milbury years were over. How did they start again??
We know the brass is reading this , just come clean and stop building a barrier between your loyal fans who just want some honesty-
Can we please change the name of the blog to “Islanders Internet Report”?
I am sure there are probably a few reasons CB didn’t get the usual plug from Newsday.
I am tired of the DP boondogle and its not even near over. I have to agree with CB, with all these moves to acquire goalies, the writing really seems on the wall. I am hoping for a nice surprise on de Haan, but with then drafting 2 goalie I have to agree with the above. It does feel a little like Milbury.
The gloves.
Are off.
I’m seeing things happening here. Yesterday’s inaugural post on SNY.tv and today it is expandable ads at the top of this page. I’m hoping these are good signs for the continued existence of PB.
As for the Internet Report, I figured it was an editorial decision, I just thought it was funny. Almost as if they did not want people to go to you instead of reading the new Islanders beat writer.
love the read cb..love the part about the past up prospects..cant cay it enough we had a real chance to fill up our minors with talent ans snow blew it..and i cant stand any of our fans that think getting 2 goalies was a good move, oh yeah 2 goalies i couldnt find in any proscect report…I HATE SNOW
Tond (42), I am not sure anyone is 100% on board with the moves Snow has made since the draft. A monkey could have drafted John Tavares. The rest of the draft is in question. The signing of Roli and Biron looks great. But then you take a look at the whole picture and see what we we really have on our plates. First we have a goalie who the fans are almost completely in the dark about regarding his injuries. Then we bring in a good looking AHL kid, on top of what we already have there. Then like someone said earlier - if we liked Koski so much, why did we get the Swede too?! Then on top of that we top it off with two number ones (actually a smart move). I don’t know but something still doesn’t sit right with me until we as fans know the entire story of what is going on with Rick.
The question with all of this talk is who is making the decisions? The PR dept. is in charge of spin. The GM [Snow presumably makes the calls] and how much control does Wang exercise over “everyday decisions”? and how independent is the medical staff in terms of releasing medical conditions? CB your former job was in this area, PR as I understand the term and mission is to put the most favorable light on things and then deseminate it to the public. So far I give them a D!
I know this thread appears on the surface to be about DP’s readiness. Fortunately, we know better. So, in response …
After 2008-2009, the score is:
PointBlank 1
Newsday 0
Can you blame Newsday for being passive aggressive toward CB? A stream of “internet reports” from a “blogger” destroyed their coverage.. I’d be embarassed if I was them too, and I’d fight back twice as hard in 2009-2010.
They’re already behind in the experience and talent areas (Botta v Strang) of this competition.. so in order to win they’ve got to start leveraging their biggest asset they have - their clout.
And it’s already begun. CB wants to air a DP report. The Islanders issue no comment whatsoever to PointBlank, and then magically become proactive and deliver Newsday DP himself.
I have a feeling there’ll be alot of that this year for Chris. Newsday will be the recipient of plenty of supposed “leaks” and other scoops directly from team sources.. CB will instead have to fight for them..
So, CB can be like Logan and whine about having to work too hard for scoops - or he can work that much harder to keep IPB as the #1 source for New York Islanders info..
CB, I agree that’s it’s time to end the DP discussion until he actually starts playing games in Bridgeport. He is thankfully no longer the face of this franchise and a non-factor on this team in 09-10, so why bother discussing his situation any more? Let’s all wish him well personally in getting back to good health and discuss relevant topics at this time, including the rapidly approaching exhibition season. I suspect the toughness issue will come to light immediately given how many altercations typically take place during the exhibition season as players are literally fighting for spots on the NHL roster. And let’s see if our chandelier defense can stay healthy before the season even gets off the ground. Offensively I don’t have very high hopes for this team this year but am more interested in seeing how our talent develops, particularly those who are entering years two and three in their NHL careers (and obviously JT but that goes without saying).
I know the second half is off-topic but the discussion among fans really needs to shift in this direction going forward now that the DP situation has revealed absolutely nothing we didn’t already assume.
Thanks for keeping us informed CB. Always appreciate the knowledge you allow us to have, especially those of us no longer on the east coast.
Anyone know the difference between last seasons Joey McDonald’s .901 Sv% vs Roloson/Biron’s .915%
……………… 40 goals a season!
Mike Smith had a .916 for TB (so its not only having a good team)
That’s right the right goalie can net your team +40 goals. How many 2/3rd round picks would you have to take to get such a player?
Is taking 2 very good NHL prospect goalies in the 2nd/3rd round really such a bad idea. Me thinks it was
Part of the goals against statistics relates to the number of quality shots faced which relates to the amount of time the opposing team spends in the {Isles} defensive zone which relates to good back checking by offensive players and of course on the defenses play. So yes the goalie must make the stops but the 40 number mentioned on another post is somewhat complicated by team play.
Why is everybody so incensed that Garth took Koskinen and then followed up with Nilsson?
Koskinen’s development really took off last year and lots of teams had him on their radar. As for Nilsson, did it ever dawn on people that he may have been the “best value” on the board when the Isles selected in the 3rd round?
Who says Koskinen or Nilsson ultimately have to play for us? Either or both might wind up being a valuable asset in trade for what we need down the road.
CB! Great read!! The unbiased commentary is very welcome!! I am with you! If DP is on schedule and comes back 100% at “any” time this season, Garth has a lot of explaining to do regarding his 2009 draft,especially that 1st pick day 2!! I cringe to think what a Lou Lamorillo could have built with all our picks the last 2 years! I am not killing Garth yet, he still gets the benefit of the doubt, but let’s remember, he has built as many contending playoff Hockey teams as anybody who posts here at PB. He has never done anything like this before nor is he surrounded by “brilliant” Hockey people! He has not earned unwavering respect by any means! Some young talent has to step up somewhere this year!!We sure did pass on a lot of talent for his “reaches”!
The best goalies in the league have said DP has the skills to be an elite goalie…once he puts it all together. But he hasnt…. For DP to think he has a chance to represent USA this Olympics, is a sign he’ll never get it. If that makes any sense.
Snow gets the benefit of the doubt until his picks play in the League. Now if he takes a goalie in next years draft….oh nelly!
It does sound like we don’t know the whole story about DP’s injury or that we ever will, until maybe when he retires.
CB makes some good points that, if DP was going to be 100% sometime this season, why all the moves for goalies.
Either way the Isles blew it at the draft. They probable could have had de Haan with the 26th pick, one of the forwards mentioned by CB with the 1st pick in the 2nd round. One of the D-men with the early 2nd round (Toronto) pick and still probable been able to take Koskinen with the late (Boston) second round pick.
The reality of the situation is: The Islanders made a ridiculous decision to sign DP to 15 years in the first place, apparently not taking into consideration the chance for serious injuries, but what’s done is done. If he isn’t ready to go “on schedule” (seriously - who has this schedule?) then so what? And I can say “so what” b/c of the moves made this summer (which should tell the real story about DP’s progress). Even if DP couldn’t play for the next 2 seasons, he’s still an Islander - we can’t move an injured goalie - Let him recover at the slowest pace possible. I like this guy, and I love his passion - But b/w Roloson and Biron, and the kids they drafted, the only thing we can do is be patient with DiPietro. I’m just not that worried . . . .
Point Blank with an edge…love it! Some times the truth hurts, but still needs to be told. Thanks, Chris.
lets face it management doesnt think DP is playing again the same way or for very long…. the biron signing sealed it for me. look for DP to be late in coming back, play a few games, and get “swelling” again or totally suck from fear of straining his body.
also look not for biron to be trade bait, but for him to develop a rapport with the youngsters on the team and sign an extension before the season ends.
I think snow is looking at biron being the true cornerstone and developing the draft picks to pick up behind him for the future…. i think DP is just too injury prone and management knows it.
i also dont, and bet they dont either, like his general attitude about the whole thing. it bothered me a great deal when he said in the interview that if he was healthy he would want to play in the olympics and why shouldnt he….. um… because you are injury prone and getting hurt playing for anyone but the team that pays you that ungodly sum of money at this point is reckless and immature?
i was impressed with DPs style and athleticism when he first signed on but have been less and less impressed with him as time goes on… both style and substance.
Truthfully this is all confusing and is all speculation. only reason i can see for having so many goalies is to find the diamond in the rough with the prospects and to try and keep those prospects in a developmental situations since they won’t get much playing time sitting on the bench behind biron or rolo. I can’t picture being able to deal any of them off anytime soon since there seems to be an abundance of goalies throughout the league unless a team is in serious cap trouble and can’t sign a fa.
The DP situation is a little scary. I hopes he comes back and can be a part of the team. however if he can’t come back and there is no insurance on his contract the Islanders will probably have to eat it which will be that much we can’t spend on some one else.
I hope the best for this team. I’ve been a fan as far back as i can remember even with my father being a rags fan and trying to go over to the dark side. I’ll never give up on the Islanders been a fan too long and suffered through too much to give up now.
For me it’s shocking te read how some of you speak about DP, such a small amount of respect. Here in Europe where I live, there are some Isles fans. They are fans because of DP. He has personality. He is the face of the franchise. Here, DP is the whole Isles organization. If he could make it back, it would give the Isles a boost.
it would be funny to hear these same DP bashers make these same comments if he comes back in all-star form.
a bust is a guy who never acheives anything. DP has been in the playoffs a number of times and made the all star team, plus he played in the olympics. With or without this knee injury garbage the term bust could in no way be used to describe his career.
and our playoff exits had nothing to do with his play, u can blame that bum Yashin for that
but hey CB you finally got DP to speak out even indirectly and thats def commendable.
I listen to bubba on Sirius XM, Howard 101, but I didn’t witness DP on the show…Id love to have heard how he handled himself in such an environment…Bubba is hard core
I was disappointed with this summer’s draft. I felt there was no need for drafting two goalies and there was need to trade five picks to get a Dman at 12 who was expected to go 20-30. Seeing Roloson and Biron get signed has me very happy in light of the coming season because Dipi comeback or not, this team will feature a very reasonable and solid goaltending duo, if not trio.
Still, their being signed and the signing of Munroe & Lawson makes me all the more disappointed that this franchise skipped out on a bevy of 2nd/3rd round talent to make the moves it did. Sure, all will be forgiven if de Haan turns into Boyle and Koskinen into Kiprusoff, but at the moment, far too little was made of deep draft and a plethora of picks going into it.
Now, let’s just hope this team stays healthy and Biron/Roloson play the solid hockey they’re capable of, because if they do so, we can be the hunt this season. Every team has some strengths and weaknesses - we can be one of those clubs that other teams don’t (want to) take seriously and end slipping away with quite a few more victories than experts would expect of us.
Well, I think the Islanders every once in a while need to have it all laid out plainly like CB did here. Notice how injury reports were at least a bit more honest after CB and Logan complained about the ridiculous policy earlier last season?
The “explanations” in the Newsday story by Garth and Ricky are absurd. Ricky says he doesn’t want to be a distraction? You already are because of the secretive policy! We don’t need 50 different cryptic updates - that’s a distraction. We just need one HONEST update. Period. What happened, what’s still wrong, when can we expect to see you at 100 percent. If those questions were answered honestly months ago, it would not have turned into this circus.