RICK DiPIETRO COULD BE BACK REAL SOON
Citi Field talk, Hamonic, JT at Modell’s tonight
NEW: Burke says Okposo, others will still be scouted
FanHouse: Next up for the NHL Winter Classic
2:00 pm - Rick DiPietro is the story today. After playing complete games Friday and Sunday, the all-rehabbed-out goaltender practiced with the Islanders for close to two hours today. Even when the formal workout ended, he stayed on the ice and stopped pucks until the last teammate left the ice. There’s no way for DiPietro or anyone else to by anything but encouraged by the latest in the year-long turn of events.
Scott Gordon was surprised, albeit pleasently, by DiPietro’s presence on the ice at Iceworks this morning. “I did not expect him here today,” said the Islanders head coach. “I’m sure if he had any doubts, he wouldn’t be out there.” Gordon would not commit to anything else - whether DiPietro will be on this week’s Western swing, if he’ll start a game, nothing.
DiPietro tried his best not to show any glee, but it was apparent this is the most optimistic he’s been during his attempted comeback after a year away from the NHL. “It feels good to feel like myself again,” was the money quote. He also let down his guard a bit, talking about the day he was told he needed to be shut down for knee surgery and wondering when he would ever play again. I’ve known the kid long enough to tell you that DiPietro would not have said that if he didn’t think his next game was soon.
Then it was back to the usual routine: he feels “good.” He’s “pretty happy.” He’s “playing it by ear.” He “hopes to prove he’s ready to contribute.” “I still hold my breath.” And then, “I don’t know what the plan is, to be honest.”
I believe him on that last one. Expect Mr. Snow or Mr. Gordon to at least acknowledge by tomorrow that DiPietro will fly with the team to Colorado on Tuesday. In reality, the goalie doesn’t have anywhere else to go. (UPDATE: DiPietro is confirmed to be on trip).
The next part is the trickiest. After playing games Friday and Sunday and practicing all out today, can the Islanders really let DiPietro go more than a full week before he plays another game? How about this for a rotation - Dwayne Roloson on Wednesday in Colorado, DiPietro on Friday in Dallas, Martin Biron Saturday in Phoenix - the site of Rick’s last NHL game a year ago?
Really now…why the heck not? DiPietro has done his time in the minors, and the Islanders have to find out what they have sooner or later.
Finally, DiPietro was asked what it would mean to him to join his buddies and teammates on the road trip. “I might get homesick,” DiPietro kidded. “I don’t think I’ve been away from my home for more than a day.”
Notes: Sean Bergenheim and Nate Thompson practiced with the team today and will make the road trip. Gordon said he doubted they would both play all three games, but “I will try to work them in.” A banged-up Brendan Witt got the day off.
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Noon, Iceworks: The halftime report…
The DiPietro Suffle: Rick DiPietro practiced with the Islanders today, a sign of good health after playing full games with the Sound Tigers on Friday and Sunday. According to Islanders PR maven Seth Sylvan, he has been officially recalled from his conditioning stint in the American Hockey League. Your Islanders now have three goaltenders.
Two-A-Days: With little practice time lately and the gritty-gutties not exactly firing on all cylinders, Scott Gordon is treating today like training camp. A 65-minute practice is being followed by another workout after Iceworks man Terry Zambonies the ice. While he does, most of the players are skating on the adjacent small rink.
Citi of Hope: Charles Wang told Katie Strang of Newsday today over the phone that he’d love to see his Islanders play the Rangers at Citi Field in Queens. I would hope so, since Islanders staffers first worked on an outdoor game before there was even a Heritage Classic in Edmonton.
Unless there is going to be a doubleheader, I don’t see the Islanders getting a game in Citi Field - at least on New Year’s Day 2011. If the Winter Classic comes to New York as a single game next year, you’re probably looking at the Rangers vs. the Washington Ovies.
More importantly, I look forward to Charles’ responses about the Lighthouse Project and the future of his team on Long Island.
One Cure for the Hamonic Blues: Very sad for Travis Hamonic that he’s going to miss Canada’s gold medal game on Tuesday against the United States. On the bright side for the 19-year-old defenseman, he already proved himself to the few who didn’t know how much he’s developed since the Islanders selected him in the second round in the 2008 draft.
Although Pierre McGuire was wise yesterday to point out how the Moose Jaw Warriors will not make the playoffs and Hamonic would be available to the Islanders, he could be traded to a Western Hockey League contender. Here’s one way the Islanders can cheer up Hamonic: finalize his NHL Entry Level three-year contract.
Open Practice!?: Practice at Iceworks today was opened to the public, which was kinda sorta wacky since 95% of Americans returned to work and school today.
Today’s Equation: Writing down Gordon’s lines for a Monday practice when the name game is on Wednesday = waste of time.
Tavares at Modell’s Tonight: The 2009 first overall pick will be signing one autograph per person at the Modell’s on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow tonight from 6-7:30 pm. I’d get there early to guard against a letdown. Only the first 150 fans are guaranteed a signature. Don’t tell my kids about this event.
More to come in the next hour or so. Comments.
112 Responses to “RICK DiPIETRO COULD BE BACK REAL SOON
Citi Field talk, Hamonic, JT at Modell’s tonight”
Please Wait
No way the Classic comes to NY until the college bowl contract with Yankee Stadium expires in 2014, unless its deferred for a year. Unless, of course, they come up with some creative alternative venue, and that is NOT Citi Field, lol. CB … what did you think of the weekend? I got up there on Thursday and came back yesterday. Met a bunch of people, including Steve Webb who seemed like a GREAT guy.
Do the Isles need to send someone down now that DP is back with the team?
“Nice” to see Islanders prospects dropping like flies in these waste of time tournaments that no one cares about…
actually a lot of people care about these tournaments. it means a lot to the players and the fans to take home that gold
Islanders do not need to send anyone down. They are below the roster limit. They just need to scratch an additional player every night. Until further notice, it’ll probably be Dipietro. CB, how long until we see him in net for the Isles?
its unfortunate but he will be alright. Very excited to see 3 isles DEFENSIVE prospects shine at the WJC.
Looks like Hamonic, Donovan and De Haan going to be great NHL DMAN.
Would be huge added plus if DP can come back and be healthy. Wonder when his first NHL will be.
Hopefully Never!
Trade biron even for a 5th rounder asap. Even a double dipietro rolosen injury doesn’t scare me. I’m confident a ahl goalie can lose as often as biron.
It’s a shame if the NHL does not have an Islander - Ranger WC. They had Buffalo so why not. Prommote the rivelry, unique 2 teams seperated by a few miles, the fans, NYE in NYC great alumni from both teams, too easy for the NHL to screw it up. I agree with Milbury on HNIC his views of the WC (just wish he was always a broadcaster)
Eastonhockey- We need to find someone to trade him to. I think he’s worth much more than a 5th round draft pick.
I’m going to Modell’s tonight, hope they let us wait inside!
Noon, Iceworks: Much more to come
Why does that post from CB make me nervous??
The same way i felt watching the ESPN ticker ( dated ? ) to see if Milbury traded away another future all-star…
Would Biron have to clear waivers to go to the AHL?
How early is early for the JT signing? Hey CB how accomodating are the isles at Republic airport when they leave come home from roadies? Are they approachable?
CB - any updates on the goalie trade front? Any smells of interest from teams at this point? Who could be the logical trade partners…maybe Detroit?
I thought Hamonic looked the best out the WJC Isles prospects. But it’s tough to tell with Canada since they’re not on defense very often! I’d probably put Petrov at 2 and Donovan at 3. Donovan’s looked good, but I agree with him being years away…he’d get burned big time in the NHL pulling some of the moves he’s pulled in the tournament, imo. Petrov would be even better if he kept his legs moving. Fun tournament though. First WJC I’ve ever watched.
Trade Roloson, Get a 1st or 2nd round draft pick for him. Have Dipetro and Biron split time.
Roloson has the most value, use it get more pieces for the future (which he is not part of).
NHL should do a East Coast-West Coast doubleheader for New Year’s: Isles-Rangers at 1pm, and Edmonton-Calgary at 5pm. Two great rivalries, two great outdoor games, two time slots, full day of outdoor hockey.
I hope DP can really help us get that #1 pick.. welcome back ricky!
for any of you who have NHL network, the semis at the world jrs were excellent games. they skate fast, hit hard, and really play there hearts out. its fun to watch. the 3 defenders we have on us/canada all get major burn, and play a 2 way game. never a bad thing.
I say package Witt and Biron.. Biron may have more value because of his age.
I would love Kovulchik but Atlanta will only trade him as a rent a player. We all know what happens when we trade for rentals. cough–Smyth–cough.
From Puck Daddy (and I agree) - Rick DiPietro’s getting closer to coming back. Seven goals against in two AHL games. Great.
Ugh. ROLIE IS THE GOALIE!!! HE EASILY HAS 2-3 MORE YEARS IN HIM
Vealchop, I agree with you about Roli and trading him.
Securing 1st round picks is the only way we’re going to build a strong young team. That would, however, impact the team’s play and playoff push down the stretch.
Do people actually think trading Roloson will get us anything better than a 3rd rounder, if that? The guy is 40. Someone is just going to throw away a draft pick for a guy who will be out of the league in a season or two? And w/ Biron - 3rd rounder is the max we’re getting. That’s just the way it is. And, unlike some people, I wouldn’t move either one until DP shows himself to be CONSISTENTLY healthy (i.e. can play 2 straight games without tenderness or pain). We’ll see about that.
Veal Chop is dead on , we are not winning the cup this year or next , and the front office doesn t care about putting anyone in the stands. The jackman incident further reiterates Garth’s lack of understanding of what this team needs or what the average fan pays to see. JT is in a slump because he is getting manhandled and no one sticks up for him. Garth will trade Rollie for a 7th rounder -
DP hasn’t had meaningful ice time until his reconditioning stints, so, that’s what nine months off the ice? It’s all about catching back up to the speed of the game. I’m sure his first few NHL starts will be rough, but given some time and NHL level coaching he’ll probably get at least most of it back.
It’s also not worth getting on Biron. His play has been fine, but the rest of the team doesn’t play for him. Even in the Isles last loss against Philly he only gave up two goals and he was hung out to dry like yesterday’s laundry on both of them. Meanwhile the Isles got shut down by 3rd string Mike Leighton.
Chris- any chance another open practice tomorrow? The team doesn’t seem to announce these things so I had no clue, would love to attend…
Not sure why DP wouldnt play another 2 or 3 games in Bridgeport.
Mad Mike isn’t a GM anymore so you can forget getting a 1st or 2nd rounder for Rollie. Even a 3rd rounder is pushing it. I know I wouldn’t give up a high draft pick for him considering his age and the fact he has another year on his contract. I do hope DP is ready to see some regular action soon as Rollie’s backup. It’d be a good way to ease him back slowly to his number one spot.
Bill guerin returned a 5th rounder that turned into. 3rd rounder due to Pennsylvania playoff success. So IMO birons worth a 5th rounder at best roleson a 3rd. Rolleson makes good $ to be a backup on good team. Good teams don’t waste $ on backups only isles have 3 goalies making millions per season most teams have 1.
Tavares is in a slump beecause he is 19.
He is in a slump because he is not conditioned to be an elite NHLer, let alone an average NHLer.
He is in a slump because he skates like he is juniors…
….he will continue to be in a slump until he improves (which he should) in all areas.
Biron will be dealt. Playoffs mean more money for the organization, and as long as the team is close…you have to try to make it. Too much money would be on the line, not to mention the wrong attitude would be given to the young ones. Rollie and Rick will finish the season, and Rick will learn a valuable lesson from Roloson’s experience. One doesn’t play until 40 for nothing.
I am a huge soccer fan and love the songs that many fans sing. I was at the Thrashers game on Saturday and noticed that the loudville kids were singing “We are the new york islanders, fighting for new york”, that horrible song that the isles used to use. I love the fact that they are starting to use it before the let’s go islanders cheer. Has anyone else notice this? am I late to the proceedings? I think this is rather unique in american sports, but would be great if us Islander fans really got it going here. Much like liverpool singing You’ll never walk alone or the myriad of other songs that Eurpoean or South American fans sing at games.
Roloson is 40 and has a 2 year contract. There is no way anybody trades a first rounder for him. I am always amazed at the trade propsoals the fans come up with.
I can only see 2 teams that would really want Biron = LA & VAN ….and you are only going to get a pick or depth player back…it would have to be a 4th round pick or 2 lower level picks
Vealchop (15) - I fully agree. Assess the trade value of Rollie vs. Biron. If there’s a clear gap, move Rollie.
Although he’s as dependable as they come, I hate to say it, the next 2 years don’t mean squat in terms of win-loss record.
I think the WC doubleheader is an interesting idea, though it kind of takes the allure away from the whole event - the hockey world would not have decended onto Boston last week had there been another game somewhere else on the same day. That said, even if there’s only one game, I don’t see why Rangers Islanders wouldn’t be a good idea. Getting New York excited about hockey would be something the NHL would benefit from. Rangers-Caps, even if it is outdoors, wouldn’t do that, I’m sorry to say.
How early do ppl line up for these JT signings? Is it like how it is for sneakers, camping and sleeping outside way in advance?
I’m excited for DP..hope he keeps health up and maybe I can actually be excited for some sort of trade now. Maybe.
So annoyed Hamonic is hurt, more annoyed that I still haven’t seen him play.
I want a Jankowski jersey…
Will there be Dunkin Munchkins in the suite for Wang’s buddy Dipietro while he watches Roloson bust his butt. At $4.75M/yr for doing rehab work, maybe Rickey can stop by White Castle before home games.
It would be nice if he gave a sack to each of the season ticket holders… the folks who are suplementing his “sweating to the oldies” afternoons.
Can we use that Brett Lindros Insurance & get out of DP’s contract? At least he could take more rehab time in the AHL because if he can’t do it there its over.
As a Met Fan who went to a lot of games this past Summer.
It is Ironic how Citi Field will probably have better viewing angles for a Hockey game than a Baseball game !
If Wang wants to play in Citi Field for an outdoor hockey game, the Islanders should move into NYC because currently they’re not in NYC nor do they show any part of NYC in their logo.
DP gives up 7 goals in 2 games in the AHL, looks like he is back to his old self!!
When will this franchise ever learn?
I believe queens and brooklyn is shown on the logo Steve. They are infact actually part of long island.
As far as the winter Classic goes, how about Habs-Leafs in Toronto in that Blue Jay staduim, that would be big, ah?
With the suggestions of trading either Rolo and/or Biron, why does it always have to be about draft picks. Maybe package a player or two along with a goalie and get a NHL ready player? Don’t the Islanders have draft picks next season as well? They could use those as well?
Lets hope the boys stand up and protect Ricky when he does take net not like they did for Jackman the other night.
Mike if you match the islanders logo with a NASA map of Long Island, it’s slightly different and does not include Brooklyn and Queens.
Hopefuly Rick makes it all the way back. As for the Winter Classic, the TV ratings were down 10%, so they will go to a team that gives good ratings, like the Pens or Wings again.
Tough to imagine this team would trade Roloson….If not for him we would be below Carolina in the standings. And Biron has been less than stellar.
CB is Tavares hurt?
He took a shot from Moulson in the Atlanta game and then skated like he had a piano on his back. His puck pursuit has been plain awful. And his decisionss with the puck have me scratching my head.
I live in Phoenix and got to see DP’s last game. I have tickets 20 rows off the ice and hope to see him play here again!
People are so quick to say that noone will give up a first rounder for Roloson. I have news for all those people. When a playoff team, loses their starting goaltender to injury before the playoffs, they will pay up for a goalie that can win. Roloson can still play…
Possible sites for a winter classic…
NY area
Giant Stadium
Citifield
US Open Tennis Center (if possible)
Hofstra Stadium (small capacity)
Central Park (would need construct alot)
Yale Bowl (CT)(classic old school stadium)
Minnesota’s new outdoor baseball stadium
If the NHL doesn’t want to include us in the Winter Classic, are we precluded from having an outdoor home-and-home with the Rangers in the Bronx and Queens? I assume that this could be considered a “neutral site” game, and might be allowed under the rules. And make it an annual event. How big would it be for New York if there were 2 games per season with 50,000-plus watching the local hockey teams? Another option if the Devils want in could be a three-day event at either the Bronx, Queens, or the new Meadowlands stadium, where each team plays the other two on 2 of 3 days over one weekend. Think - Friday - Isles-Rangers Saturday - Isles-Devils, Sunday - Rangers-Devils.
Does anyone with an encyclopedic knowledge of the NHL rule book see why this cannot happen?
wow great news about Ricky.
DP=NYI
for a playoff push for a team needing and great goaltender probably the only one available is rollie..that makes the islanders hold price floor which = we make the deals
The thing with the Outdoor Classic, is the NHL and the companies that advertise are fitting the bill to build these rinks at the chosen venues. I think the cost would be too much for the Islanders and/or Rangers to pay for an outdoor game.
Also, if it does come about that the Rangers play the Capitals in an outdoor game, then the Islanders will never play in an Outdoor Classic game…….
Biron’s trade value has obviously declined in the last month or so-still the real key to the team’s future in goal depends on DP. We won’t know that answer until he has played several games, in real terms that means we might not have that imfo until sometime in Feb. I agree with the writer that said that even if DP had a set back our reserves in Bridge are as good as Biron has been playing recently.
….for the record the Islanders logo includes brooklyn and queens, however irrelevent it may be. Rolo could fetch a decent pick in the right situation. Not a first rounder however. Should be interesting to see when DP starts a game again for the Islanders.
Actually Blizzard, their logo does not include Brooklyn and Queens. It only has Nassau and Suffolk on there and the I is pointing to Uniondale.
maybe all the trade the goalie talk should wait until dp plays at least one real game and doesn’t get hurt. i’m gonna be so nervous for him for a while. he might be fine but if he suffers an avg. sprain or pull or something normal where he shakes it off during a game… i think most of us are gonna be freaking out… thinking… it’s over, he got hurt again, he’s gonna lie and say he’s fine, the isles are gonna make things up… we’ll never know the truth. it’s the boy who cried wolf syndrome. i love dp and hope he’s fine but i will never 100% believe this organization or him on his health. i just can’t.
Just in case some of you didn’t know, Rolo has a two-year cotract, and Biron has a a one-year; therefore, Rolo will not be traded this year nor should he be. Biron will almost definitely be traded. Edmonton is in dire need of a goalie with Khabibulin hurt.
The part of the logo where the “I” in Islanders intersects with Long Island is Jamaica Bay. Roy Boe who was born in Brookyln and wouldn’t have left his home town off of the logo.
Tavares slump could be fixed by playing him with KO - they were dynamic together and are the future of the franchise. With Bailey, DP and maybe Hillen, they are the only players on this team that will be here in 2 years. If anyone else scores, it’s a fluke. Start playing them together now and stop trying to get everyone involved in the scoring. The team has been averaging 2 goals per game with them apart.
I went to practice today and wow did it seem long. I can’t believe they only let fans stay for a little bit after practice and then kicked everyone out. There were only about 10-15 fans there (that includes little kids) and they still kicked us out.
It was nice seeing DP practice again but he did look a bit rusty with rebound control during a few drills
One other thought on potential WC venues: I read somewhere that the NHL prefers baseball fields to football fields because apparently football fields have a slight arc in them, which made it difficult to lay a good sheet of ice down in Buffalo a couple of years ago. For whatever that’s worth.
Really glad to hear how well our future Isles (prospects) are doing. The team is playing almost .500 hockey and 8 of our 9 top forwards are 25 years of age and younger. (JT,Josh,Franz,OK,Bergy,MM,Comeau,Shremp/ Tamby). They will all only get better. I think that the future is starting to look good for the Isles!
- NYI will never be in WC because the NHL doesn’t want empty seats. NYI just isn’t a big enough ratings draw.
- Have Roloson play 4 games for every 1 that DP plays. I have no faith in DP or that he will stay healthy consistently until he shows otherwise. Without Roloson, NYI is even worse than last season and that says a lot.
The NHL should focus on rivialies as well as the so called “superstars” when choosing teams for the Winter Classic. How is Caps-Rag$ more entertaining than Isles-Rag$, because of Ovechkin? The new Meadowlands stadium or Citi Field would work fine. It would be a shame if the Isles are left out of a Winter Classic in NY.
Sad to see that the TV ratings were down from last year’s Winter Classic. Thought they would go up. That’s not good news for having two games. I also doubt NBC would want to televise two games. NBC wants two different major US markets.
I don’t see the Islanders playing in it until they are a cup challenger and JT is a big star. Meaning that could be awhile. Maybe the Rangers at Citi Field vs. the Caps or LA Kings.
Or the Rangers on the road in DC at the Nationals park or maybe in Denver where the Rockies play. Either way I would think the league and NBC will do what they can to get the Rangers in a game soon.
I’m on line at modell’s right now and ingot here 10 minutes ago and I’m not close to the 150 guaranteed.Someone should tell the people who work at modell’s to stop being so negative toward the fans they’re saying there’s absolutely no chance he’ll stick around that long to sign more then the 150 required.I know it might be the truth but to be telling that to kids between ages 4-13 that?Come on.I’m just hoping I get his autograph because I want him to sign his rookie card I have.I’m waiting even though I’m probably number 225+ and most likely won’t get an autograph.There are more then 300
people here too.
The “Island” in the NY Islanders logo does NOT include Queens and Brooklyn.
The “cut off” is the Cross Island Expressway which is approximately the divider between Queens and Long Island. Little Neck Bay is the Western most Northern border of the Logo.
Yes I know… Long Island itself geographically DOES include Queens and Brooklyn, but the LOGO does NOT.
DOC
I’m really wondering if Biron’s stock has gone down as much as most of us would think. In the 5 games he has played against Philly and NJ he’s gotten 6 goals from his offense. He gave up 2 goals to Philly twice and Jersey once. His GAA is still very respectable. Unfortunately, the fact that every GM out there knows Snow is looking to desperately dump Biron, I doubt the isles will get anything better than a 3rd rounder
As CB has mentioned in the past, NHL GMs and coaches know what Biron is capable of, his performance with the Isles notwithstanding. A deal will be done in time.
No offence to Brooklyn and Queens, but the island on the Isles’ logo is clearly cut-off at the Nassau County/Brooklyn border. The upper left corner of the logo is Kings Point and Sands Point.
Frank, while I agree Biron will get traded, the irony of the Oilers acquiring Roli’s current backup, after refusing to give Roli more than a 1-year deal in the off-season would be pretty amusing, and I’m an Oiler fan.
Oilers have pretty much lost all playoff hope. They are better off to just stick with JDD, at least they are finding out what he is capable of.
i’d keep roli besides he has a 2 year deal
Ahh yes … the Winter Classic will go from Wrigley to Fenway to (drum roll, please) … Hofstra? C’mon now.
This idea that the game has to be at Yankee Stadium is utter nonsense. Yankee Stadium and Citi Field share the same amount of history. They’re both a year old.
WOW- Yeah but Yankee Stadium is still Yankee Stadium.
We need to trade Biron for Ty Conklin and then Winter Classic is a Guarantee!
Just trade Biron for a third round pick.
I love the Islanders. At some point the negativity has to end. we are now as a fandom arguing about the logo and does it include brooklyn and queens and if it doesn’t include brooklyn and queens we shouldn’t be able to play at citi field….WOW….I am truly at a loss.
who cares lets just lose the rest of our games, get Taylor Hall and a few more pieces and accept that when you rebuild there are going to be some lean years.
Been cheering for the Islanders since day one. I watch every game on NHL centre ice. It’s great to see DP ready to play again soon, but I will be very nervous for him the first few games. It might be a good idea to trade Rollie at trade dead line if DP is ok. Although I hate to see him go, somebody is going to need some depth in goal for their playoff run and isles could pickup something good for the future.
Where did people find out that iceworks had an open practice? I never saw it once advertised.
DP is an albatross around the necks of the Islanders. Garth snow and Co. would be elated if DP just called it a career and retired. This is not a personal statement, but if you look at his injuries and performance you have to conclude the Isles are better without him. Aslo, what happens if he plays well and we trade Biron and Roloson’s deal ends after next year and DP gets injured again( thats not far-fetched) Then your in a similar position. For continuities sake the Isles cannot afford this DP rollercoaster ride.
Trade Rollie? Keep Biron? Seroiusly? Biron has a 1 year deal folks….he is trade bait…period. Rollie has another year here.
John@78…I agree except for losing the rest of our games for another first rounder. No reason why we can’t continue to rebuild while making a playoff push.Especially when we are on the Salry Cap floor!
To everyone that is saying Rick gave up 7 goals in 2 games. 1 goal was an empty netter and the other goals were pretty good goals. Just because your playing in the AHL doesnt mean you shut them out every night.
I thought the #8 post was completely unfair. If anyone has bothered to watch the games Biron is playing in they would see that he is getting NO offensive help and the defense seems to play worse every time he’s in net. The win loss column doesn’t show the whole story. The last time I checked hockey is a team sport. Rollie faces a lot of shots but sometimes that’s misleading as a lot of those shots come from outside the circles and the point. Yes he has made some incredible save but the team seems to show up more for him. Biron will have good value to a team who needs a quality goaltender.
Continuity in goal is not happening no matter what the DiPietro situation currently is. Roloson and Biron were signed for the short term knowing that 1 is old and the other needed a 1 year job and is trade bait at the deadline. DiPietro will be the goalie in the near future if he’s healthy and if not there are guys named Nilsson and Koskinen that were drafted for the long term.
DOC
Trade no goalie yet. Last year we thought DP was back and then what? Let him play some GOOD games without major setback before we talk about who we trade.
IslesinOsid. I understand what your saying. However, the cap floor will go away as soon as the players get older, more experienced and deserving of larger contracts. The thought of having a nucleus of Hall Tavares KO and Josh B on your top 2 lines for the next 10 years just sounds good to me. especially since the D in the world jr Championships is looking like they are developing really well. While I hate losing more than anything, I don’t want to win for mediocrities sake. I like what Garth and Charles are doing. I like that they play their cards close to their vests. I’m glad we’ve moved past the quote of the month club from milbury. Sure I miss the funny quotes he had, but not being respected by your peers in the NHL is a tremendous loss for a non existant gain. Garth & Charles don’t open their mouths and they are quietly (very Quietly) building what we’ve all wanted.
Folks who argue that the islanders are a “better team” without “edgy” rick are the same folks who probably believe the mets are better without jose reyes.
Please, chris, let pierre M. know that there is a portion of islander nation who echo the sentiments i stated above, and just quote his reaction.
I would love to hear his giggling.
I was at the signing. John Tavares seemed very tired, but he was a trooper and I think they got to almost everyone. I got there an hour early and must’ve been 250+ on line, but I got an autograph at 7 pm. Thumbs up for everyone there, with exception to the store manager telling me that I had no chance…
Hold off DP on the road trip..start him first game HOME..fill the barn! i know i’d go!
Hogue fan club: does snow and the isles know you speak for them?
you seriously think his performance sans injuries are something to point to, to suggest he’s an albatross. that’s crazy. last time he played on a regular basis he was an all star. that makes absolutely no sense.
Yankee Stadium is not still Yankee Stadium. Just because it has the same name, it doesn’t make it the same place. If the Cubs and Red Sox got new stadiums and called them Wrigley and Fenway, it wouldn’t be the same, right?
dominla, respectively: 67mil 15 years. It’s an albatross. And I haven’t done the Maybe your right, maybe I shouldn’t speak for them. I’ve done the math:little under a million $ for each win so far.
Hey post #39 last time I checked the NY on an Islanders logo stood for the state of New York. Its not about the city. The city is in the state right. So the New York Islanders can play at any venue in New York State. I think so! But you might be a fan of one of those football teams over in New Jersey with an NY in there logo. Now that would just make sense. Lets Go NY Islanders! & Lets Go Bills!
Hogue fan club: no… 4 plus million a year for a good goalie is a deal. obviously it’s a crazy long contract but to put a silly money value based on wins this early in… is ridiculous and ignores the injury factor. injuries happen in sports. if he comes back to close to what he was before we have a terrific goalie at 4 plus mill a year. that’s a great deal. an albatross suggests it’s preventing wang from doing moves or signing players. that’s not even close to reality. if he is injured the rest of the contract and that money is held against the cap (and i have no idea how that would work) and the isles are somehow at the top of the cap and need to do a desperate deal to get lower so they can sign someone or something like that then… yes… it would be an albatross but that’s a lot of ifs and way in the future.
can’t wait to see him in a game… minus my injury fears. he’s gotta be so excited right now. hope it works out. and he’s gotta be so rusty when he gets in there but there’s no real way around that. ahl games will never replicate the nhl. he’s just gotta dive in and see what happens.
Roloson is going nowhere. He was brought in on a multi-year contract to bridge the gap to one of two things: the healthy return of DiPietro or the rise of Koskinen or someone else. He is a steal at his current contract and needs to still provide insurance for the brittle DP. Who out there actually feels confident trading our no doubt 1st half MVP?
Biron has gotten a raw deal this season. The team never performs for him offensively and the margin for error is minimal. He could easily fetch a similar return as Guerin, if not better.
Any chance Garth calls or has already spoken with Sather? It’s no secret the rags are looking for an experienced goalie to back up Lundqvist.
When NYI move to Brooklyn or Queens will they drop Nassau/Suffolk from the logo?
I think they’ll do the Dallas thing next for the winter classic to change it up a bit yet still ride the wave .
its going to be very hard to beat Wrigley/Fenway as far as classic venues.
We got our new Enforcer! DP is now our toughest player!!!
I think that the Olympic break will be good for JT. Let him rest a bit and come back strong in March. Also, DP should get at least 2 starts before the Olympic break. Why not? Could he play worse than Biron has?
*dominila: 4mil a year is not a good contract if you don’t ever play. Plus if you careful read my post I wasn’t only talking about money. Because of the DP “situation” (which has plagued us the following has occurred: We drafted 2 goalies and signed three, we have 4 million hung up in a player that doesn’t play. There is no continuity. Plus, dp is Mediocre. Do you hear that, mediocre when he does play. He over handles the puck and is not consistent. This is not disrespectful dominila, but how old are you?
Plus we had to use our first second rounder and first 3rd rounder on a goalie because management has no idea about this mediocre goalie with a huge ego’s.. health. Sorry for the multiple posts, but all the dp “gushing” is nuts. He is like the superstar that never-was.
…there are somepeople around here that need a geography lesson. The picture of Long Island on the logo most definatly includes Brooklyn and queens. And wow I cant wait to see DP play.
No, the logo DOES NOT presently include Brooklyn and Queens! They are NOT there. The Brooklyn end of LI in real life is lower, more rounded, and knob-shaped…. not a vertical squared-off slice like the logo is. You can see other examples that show it, too. In fact I have a picture that clearly shows this to people who dont believe it, but its on my home computer and Im at work- so I cant link (sorry) but you have to believe those of us who are explaining this to you. The reason we are saying it is because it is true.
The Isles are not a legitimate playoff contender this year, nor would we expect them to be next year. Roloson’s value right now is very high - so why not trade a 40-yr old goalie for a GOOD prospect or a TOP pick at the deadline? He is in no way a part of the Isles’ long-term plans.
Roloson has been absolutely stellar, but if he could fetch a very good chip for the rebuild, then you’ve gotta make the deal, regardless of the DP situation or anything else. Rolie at most is here one more year.
To post 42: why would they have the WC in the Blue Jays stadium when it completely is not a winter classic indoors. Our prospects look good but my man petrov has to learn not to give up on plays and always keep skating. If he does that we have a top 6 foward on our team if we somehow get him over here.
I’ll be in Dallas for the game Friday night. Now, my wife might actually see the guy “who never plays” but has his jersey in all the NHL merchandise catalogs actually on the ice.
If DP was really not that good, what was he doing in the NHL All-star game? That is where he got hurt.
…well upon furthur research I stand corrected, I thought it was just a poor rendering on long island on the logo. It does indeed cut off the boroughs. lol
Blizzard- I didnt realize it for years either, I thought the same thing!
Just a couple of things as I have been real busy at work and couldn’t reply earlier:
1. I was supposed to go to Mo’s yesterday, but forgot to bring my Jersery or draft mag for JT to autograph.
2. Hope Hamonic recvoers well, and who knows maybe this is a blessing in disguise. Maybe now he wont get traded to a contender in the WHL, and will be able to go to Bridgeport for the end of the season.
3. I think people are underestimating how desperate some gms might be to make the playoffs. Making the playoffs makes money for the owners, and helps the gms keep thier jobs.
4. Also I think the Islander with the best trade value this season is Sutton. He has a big body, he delivers hits that liven the crowd/bench, plus he clogs the lane. What team in the East wouldn’t love him to clog the lane on Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin??