DiPIETRO MUST BE SHUT DOWN UNTIL 2010-11
Still unable to practice, so call it a season
Chris Botta on Twitter
Rick DiPietro has not practiced with the Islanders the last two days. The team would not confirm whether or not the injured goaltender skated regularly while the Islanders were on their West Coast trip last week. Scott Gordon told a pair of reporters yesterday, in the kindest possible way, “I’m done talking about that” and referred all questions about DiPietro to general manager Garth Snow.
All this can only mean one thing. Check that, it should only mean one thing. Rick DiPietro must be shut down for the rest of this season.
Yes…try, try again next season. Yes, the Islanders have to view any possible, semi-miraculous fulltime return of DiPietro in the future as very good gravy.
And yes, like last offseason, the Islanders will need two quality goaltenders besides DiPietro to start 2010-11. Dwayne Roloson is already locked up. Who knows – Martin Biron is going to need an NHL job again. There are going to be several other quality goaltenders on the unrestricted free agent market on July 1. Their goalie prospects are not ready.
Seems like only yesterday that I posted in late August that DiPietro was not remotely close to a return, while the Islanders felt it was necessary to line up the guns and say he would be in training camp and his comeback was imminent.
After a too-brief rehabilitation stint in Bridgeport, in which he completed only the last of his three games, DiPietro returned to the Islanders on Jan. 8 and was given a regular turn in net. Despite the stellar goaltending of Dwayne Roloson, DiPietro was handed back-to-back starts on Jan. 16 and 18. Those games against Buffalo and New Jersey were his only wins this season.
His last game was on Feb. 6. DiPietro is 2-5 with a 2.60 GAA and .900 save percentage this season. He played parts of five games in 2008-09.
DiPietro told John Jeansonne of Newsday today that this was a good year because he “proved I could come back and play in the NHL.” That may a nice personal milestone, but he has not proven enough to anyone to be posted in permanent marker on the NHL depth chart for 2010-11. The Islanders would be crazy to enter next season with just Roloson and hope. DiPietro also told Jeansonne the knee is “good” and he is in the best shape of his life. Alrighty then.
This has been sad, when you consider the immense talent and desire of DiPietro, who achieved status as an NHL all-star and U.S. Olympian at an early age and was only improving as a goaltender before hip and knee injuries derailed his career. This all happened, quite improbably, after Islanders owner Charles Wang created and oversaw the negotiations on a landmark 15-year contract with the goaltender.
In an interview with Howie Rose on MSG Plus on March 11, Islanders GM Garth Snow said he “fully expects (DiPietro) to play at some point” this season. Snow also called it “important” for the goalie and the team that he return for some game action over the next month.
If DiPietro has been unable to practice with the team the last two days, it’s now virtually impossible to make the case that his return for meaningless games in April will benefit anyone. At this point, the goalie needs to focus on getting as strong as possible when training camp opens in China in September.
The good news for the Islanders is, DiPietro’s chronic condition does not in any way prevent the team from spending money and fielding a quality NHL team next season and beyond. Last summer’s crafty, cost-effective signings of Roloson and Biron by Snow is the latest proof. Only those looking to make excuses for Islanders management see it any other way. Thoughts of DiPietro’s $4.5 million “opening up some cap space” are, frankly, hilarious.
The team is currently more than $15 million below the salary cap, has shed Andy Sutton’s $3 million and has a handful of veteran UFAs they will likely bid farewell. Snow has been on record all year saying he has the money and the green light from Wang to spend to improve his team.
While the Islanders can go about their business of getting better in year three of the rebuild, everyone can root for DiPietro’s healthy return to the profession and team he loves so much. He is just 28 years old.
Comments. Comment Guidelines.
128 Responses to DiPIETRO MUST BE SHUT DOWN UNTIL 2010-11
Still unable to practice, so call it a season
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FormerDPfan says:
Ok, I have tried to be positive about him. I wished he would get back to his old self. But come on… Enough is enough… There is a greater chance of Bin Laden going on a tour of the white house than DP being 100% and making it through a season. Wang either force him to retire or be truthful about what is the deal.
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Deadhead654 says:
Quite franky, I’m sick of this game being played back and forth with DiPietro. To think almost a year ago he was rehabbing to GET BACK into the NHL and now we are basically in the same scenario as last season…with our FRANCHISE goaltender. Not only has his ability to return been questioned, but the validity of Snow and Wang’s word time after time has been on the line. Right now DP is the last thing I’m worried about and when I look back at him this season, I think he should’nt of even put in a game with the Isles, especially since (something I knew would happen) derailed the groove that Roloson had.
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bryan says:
As much as DP gets hurt, I still love him. Grew up rooting for him and I just can’t seem to let him go… I guess it’s always gonna be that way.
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eastonhockey says:
Personally I had hoped Dipietro wouldnt play this season once Rollie was playing well. I like to root for a team that plays the best goalie on the team. I don’t feel thats how the Isles do things. Probably, at the end of the day, the biggest reason Dipietro was signed for “life” was cause the team owner thinks people who work for the team are his friends and doesnt want to “lose them”. very strange..I don’t have any “friends” at my job..business is supposed to be business.
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Islesfan in Vancouver says:
DP will always be one of my favorites and I’m going to keep hoping he can come back and play. I’d love it if he could finally get healthy. Classy guy in a terribly frustrating situation.
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Tony says:
This news is as about as suprising as the sun rising tomorrow morning.
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Rob76 says:
I am not shocked at all but i think this whole thing has been handled terribly from the get-go. I understand that Carl Pavano already holds the American Idle title but our former USA starting Olympic goalie and All-Star has been a bigger disappointment. I wish against all better knowledge that he could make a comeback but when he didnt play the games before the olympic break and than was unable to practice with swelling i saw the writing on the wall. He should shut it down now until June/July. If he is not ready by next October i hope that either a buy out or retirement is considered. If the injuries force a retirement – does his money come off the cap?
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islesfan999 says:
Its very unfortunate for him. I still believe he is being rushed. He should not play until middle of next year as far as im concerned. Give him loads of time off and hopefully he will recover or retire. Keep Roloson as the #1.
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Mario says:
I’ve rooted day in and day out for his return. I have gotten into arguments over people killing him. I think now I can honestly say its over with him and time to move on. If he comes back, great. If not, thank you. Just dont hurt this team next year. Bye Rick.
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dominla says:
rooting for ya dp. i for one don’t hate you… (most don’t) why some do i’m not sure. and yes… please keep him out until training camp. the only reason to put him in a game now is for snow to save face.
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Ethan K says:
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me 5 times, shame on me… who cares? Roloson is better at age 40 than Dipietro would be next year. We have several goalie prospects who could develop into a new starter. I really think it’s time to get rid of the last bit of Milbury’s legacy and have him retire. That’s just all there is to it… I’m sorry, but I’ve tried to be positive for the last 2 years, and I’ve run out of patience.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
I feel for the guy. The guy worked his whole life to try to reach elite goalie status. And just as he was about to come into his own this mess happens. I hope he can be 100% and we can all watch him without thinking about his next potential injury. But from a team standpoint I think Garth drafting two goalies as high as he did last year says a lot. It is a good problem to have – IF DP gets back to that level he was so close to approaching.
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PotvinRocks says:
I’m rooting for DP to retire! Is this not the same story that we hear last year?
Sign Dan Ellis or Josh Harding or trade for Price and put Mad Mike’s Big Mistake behind us. Keep the re-build going! -
Staten Islander says:
I agree, at this point, it doesn’t make much sense to get him back on the ice. Good thing Rolli is still here and wasn’t traded, though, I’m a little concerned about going into next season with one goalie thats 41 and another that can’t seem to stay healthy. Maybe the snowman wasn’t so crazy for taking 2 goalies in the draft last year. Party on Garth.
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Smokey a.k.a. Botta is God says:
He’s been a warrior, gotta love the guy, but if he loves the team, he has to end the charade. Ride off into the sunset, dude. We all love you, no one’s gonna hold it against you, and the organization will remember your contributions through thick and thin.
Other than that, we all see that Snow’s been doing the right thing and proceeding as though he’s done forever. Islanders have tons of options for next year and beyond. Time to move forward with the rest of this rebuild, which should only last one more season.
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27Tonelli says:
Thats what happens when u go all out at All-Star weekend!
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MSA says:
CB, thank you for deleting that idiotic earlier post.
While everyone has a realistic gripe with the team’s communication skills, like out and out lying to the fans that pay all their salaries, I cannot understand why people bash DP.
I have said this before, but was he supposed to say “No, i don’t want the big contract?” That was Wang. If you don’t like it, blame Wanger.
DP is one of the classiest professional players I have ever met, and I mean out of ALL pro sports. The guy is a fierce competitor. He did not injure himself on purpose, and has gone through hell and back trying to return to games hape, when he is set for life. The guy deserves some slack, he got hurt playing his A$$ of for our team -give the guy a break.
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CalgaryMike says:
So what happens if DP comes back and only plays another 7 games next year, and is injured the rest of the season? At what point does this stop being a comeback attempt, and become a physically unable to perform situaton? Then what happens next? Does DP retire, can’t see the team buying him out. If DP retires what portion of DP’s contract is C. Wang accountable for? Lots of questions here, but I think it is a long shot that this organization will ever be able to fully rely on DP again.
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Nyichamp39 says:
He is “just” 28. Frankly if you ask many isles fans I bet you most would guess he is much younger. Mostly because the last time he was a regular on this team he was 25. I think about what Ryan Miller has accomplished as a great American born goalie by the age of 30 and then I look at dipietro. He is 28 and would need the ultimate of career turn arounds to sniff what everyone thought was his true potential as a lock for team USA in goal and an NHL all-star. If he can’t stay healthy at 28. What the hell is this guy going to look like at 30? 32? 34??? And then you figure in that he is signed until he is 38. Just a sad situation overall. We need to wait and see on him bc of his contract. I bet anyone that had his contract been for 6 years we would be buying him out and starting over in net to build a winner.
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he will never come back and play more than 25 games….never. I hope i am wrong but this just seems like reality
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Juan says:
Chris, what would the effect be if the team just released DP? Does it affect the cap differently than a buyout? It is an unfortunate situation. It must be rough for DP and everyone else personally. But at some point the team may be forced to just accept the contract as a sunk cost and move on, and it seems that point may be this offseason.
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Alex says:
…whatever…
that’s all I can say about this. :/
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John in Oregon says:
Dom in LA on what do your base your assesment of fan like or dislike of DP? I like him am rooting for him and am rooting for a 2011 stanley cup championship. I am A believer I will always be a believer and Optomist. I believe they will use this Draft to gain size, mobility, scoring and positivity. I believe that positivity is what we should all be more a part of in Islander country
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Strummer's Army says:
I love Ricky. I hope he becomes 100% ASAP. The good news is it’s knee swelling and nothing to do with the hip. Swelling can usually be handled.
Goalies as good, athletic, skilled, tough minded as he is are VERY hard to find. Nothing would accelerate the rebuild faster then getting a healthy DiPietro back.
Milbury and Snow allowed their goalies to be run for years. Snow’s own career was eneded when he got ran. Dub, Ricky, Danis, Mac D, Rolo, Biron (anyone else just about who played)has been run while playing goal for the Isles and this is not good for their health. Management needs to ice the kind of team that kills anyone who does it.
Small defense we have is not that skilled, doesn’t hit, doesn’t really produce points, and definetly doesn’t protect their goalies.
Snow has had money and the green lightto spend allegedly for years. I’ll believe it when he does it.
All the best to Ricky!
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john says:
enough is enough!!!
if dp is forced to retire (hopefully soon), what is the islanders’ cap hit. roloson and a vet back-up in 2010-11, and hopefully either poulin or koskinen could be ready for 2011-12.
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DRIVE45 says:
Didn’t Garth say in his interview with Howie Rose that we would see DP again this year? More BS from the GM.
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Melvin says:
It’s sad to me all these fans who think DiPietro is somehow responsible for anything bad that’s happened to this team in the two seasons. Did he leave the Isles with a goalie issue? No, Snow rightfully signed two good goalies as a precaution (one of whom is the team MVP this year). Is that big contract giving the Isles cap issues? No. In fact his $4.5M salary isn’t even that high in today’s NHL. So could someone who has a problem with DiPietro please explain to me why? Here’s a player possibly on the verge of forced retirement and all some people want to say is “dump him, the bum.”. Really classy. Way to keep the image of the “typical fan” positive.
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Sucks Mikko Koskonen missed most of the year, I think he’d have been more then ready to be the back up next season if he’d had a full AHL year.
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And another thing…if he ever does get heathy again (and I hope he does) I think his days of playing 60-70 games a year are over, or SHOULD be
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303Joe says:
CB, I don’t see what is so hilarious about people bringing up DP retiring therefore opening up 4.5 in cap space. We all know the Isles are way under the cap. I think most people like myself bring up opening up 4.5 in cap space so the Isles will have to spend some portion of it if not all of it on a player or players that can actually help the team in order to hit the cap floor.
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dano says:
Ok Rick if you love the islanders like you say you do, its time for you to stop keeping this team hostage and retire already. Very sorry for the way its played out for you ,wish you could return at 100%, but we all know it wont happen ,its time for you to start a new career, then Mr Wang has to make a decision on wheter he is staying or leaving Long Island because you too Mr Wang are holding islanders fan hostage how much more can we take of this .MAKE A FEW DECISION THAT WILL BENIFIT OUR TEAM PLEASE
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Brian says:
so is this going to be a yearly thing where he gets hurt and rehabs for the next season?
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LouD says:
I agree, Dipietro must be shut down until next season.
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Islesrock says:
I am wishing DP the best of luck, but it’s time to move on. I always thought he was a bit overrated, but the contract and injuries are not his fault. He has also worked hard to rehab himself. Based on last years draft and the goalie signings, it should be clear to all that his knee is really bad and could be career ending. At this point, when envisioning the Isles in the future, he should not be in anyones plans. Should he return healthy, it’s icing on the cake.
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bcarroll25 says:
dipietro’s salary is not about cap space. wang has obviously set a budget.it’s about allocation of available funds.as long as dipietro is on the roster, how much additional money will be allocated to the goaltending position? how about if wang had that 4.5 available at the deadline to take on salary? or a top 4/ top6 winger last summer?
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jimmy says:
whats sad is i think he got hurt in the skills competition during his only all star selection.. does anyone remember that???? buy him out already, i cant stand that guy
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JT says:
Get healthy Rick.
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Bryan says:
CB –
If you dont mind my asking why can the Islanders not go with Roloson and Munroe at the NHL level? Munroe has had a solid AHL career and another solid season this year. Why put another “NHL Goalie” in the position that Biron was in all year?
Thanks for your time.
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Ray's Team says:
i am sick to my stomach-once again-this guys needs to go somewhere! -this story is getting way too old-move on!!!!!!
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ziggymeup says:
One word, AGAIN !!!!!!!!!
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BringBackNyles says:
Until we cut him and move on, this will happen every year.
Get will soon Rick, so you can poison the locker room again.
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Shame. No one wants him to play more than he does. Is there any reason he can’t play in Utah a game or two? I was just wondering. It’s also entirely possible that once the islanders are 100% totally eliminated from the playoff race, he may end up back on the ice or on the bench. i wouldn’t put it past him.
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Isles Fan in FL says:
Wished things turned out better for DP but it is the way it is. He’s done. It’s a distraction. Yes his 4.5 is not going to impact the team but the false hope of him being back, the insertion of him into the lineup this year and perhaps next year for a few is not a help to the team. It’s a hurt and a distraction. Do the right thing and retire. All this BS for a guy who’s had 1 all star season, ridiculous. On the plus side, I know Snow may have had to say certain things but his actions of drafting 2 goalies in the 2nd round speak for themselves. He knows it too.
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mark p says:
No more veteren goalies….Hasn’t this season proven that if DP is in the mix, another goalie is too much.
There are plenty of stop gap goalies floating around for cheap if there is an in season emergency….but really why?
DP and Rolo for Isles, Lawson and Kostisen for the S-Tigers and Poulin in the ECHL….PLENTY….If DP goes down….I would rather see Lawson get a chance and the others move up the latter….stockpiling goalies for picks…did not work….
Hopefully the new CBA will over a 50% buyout and 1 mulligan cap relief and if DP can’t come back-so be it.
On the bright side:the 20+year cap hit should finish up right around the time the lighthouse project is completed. -
C.J. says:
Sad. I feel for the guy but have 65million reasons not to.
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Jim M says:
Unfortunately we expect this team to compete for a playoff position next year while RickyD will be getting starts in goal to test out his knee. This team will never succeed under these conditions and while I hope he can get it all together to perform at a high level next year I just do not see it happening..
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Jerky says:
I wish Rick all the best and hope he makes a full recovery and gets back to the NHL on a more consistent basis. No need for DP negativity at this point … while I believe his insertion in the goalie rotation disrupted Roloson’s mojo, he has generally been a side-show and non-factor for the team for two full seasons now.
It will be interesting to see how Snow and Wang handle DP going forward. I expect the team will be in contention for the playoffs beginning next season and his insertion into the lineup could have an adverse impact on the performance of the team if they are playing well when he returns. Will they accept that risk to get DP back into game shape (which takes half a season or more) at the expense of losing games and missing the playoffs for yet another year?
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Examiner says:
I root for DP, the competitor and human being, but I understand his ability to standup to the wear and tear of an NHL season is gone. What could have been?
My only worry is that Snow will continue to play DP whenever he’s healthy. Does anyone disagree that Gordon’s hand was forced? I dont want to see a repeat of this season and watch him come in and scoop up time from a hot goalie. Can we agree Snow feels the need to start him because of 4.5 mill?
This is really sad. Almost reads like an obituary. Get better Ricky!
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bob b. says:
How long can this go on. It seem like a broken record. I feel bad for dp, but its time to move on. We are 10 years or so into a 3 year rebuilding process. Keep rolie bring up a prospect or sign a free agent goalie, then we can start getting bigger,stronger and faster. This should be the game plan for making the playoffs next year.
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RAMen says:
Terrible news (again), but at this point, we’ll need to assume DP never plays for us again.
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Cary says:
Sorry, but I can honestly say that I don’t ever want Rick to come back.
I know that sounds cruel, but I’m an Islander fan first and I’m pretty sure he will never make a “permanent” return to the NHL.
Any attempts he makes to comeback are a mere distraction for the team and whatever goalie is our number one.
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Frans Dish says:
I hope DP can one day come back and play for us. However, I am confident in Roloson to be our number 1 next year and like that Garth went with big european goalie prospects in the last draft. I just hope that when this team is ready to contend that goaltending isn’t an issue come playoff time.
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Boss15 says:
29 (by the time he plays again) is young in terms of his life but not in terms of his career. At some point he has to call it quits for the sake of the rest of his life. No sense in hobbling around and being in pain for the rest of his life when he got his money. I mean for what, just to prove what he can play for a rebuilding team? Its crazy.
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Mikey Mitts says:
Is he really going tp play or are we keeping him on to avoid going below the cap floor.
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Blizzard says: …I would really like to see DP get healthy and do well. Its hard not to root for the guy. Its such a shame the injury troubles he has had. But as been said by Cary, I am an Islander fan first. It might not be fair, however I wonder what our playoff chances would have been had we just kept rolling with Roloson during that great streak the Islanders had.
Im sorry but I feel it was a detriment to the team when they tried to work him in to the established tandem of Biron and Roloson. I say shut him down and see if he can strengthen that knee and return to form. Cut Biron free and back up Rolo with our next best and just hope Ricky can establish himself again.
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When Rick played hurt, we complained. When Rick went down, we complained. When they rushed Rick back, we complained. Now that they are being really cautious with him, we are still complaining? Why?
The Islanders organization doesnt lose by doing what they are doing now. Give the kid all the time he needs. If he can come back and play again in time, good for us. We would have a great goalie locked up at a great price for a long time. If not, we have seriously promising goaltending prospects (check out Poulin and Koskinen as just 2 examples) and we have a great starting goaltender for next ear as they continue to develop. If Rick can no longer play, his contract does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to hurt this team. Either way, the Isles will be fine. I really dont get the anger and the constant hysteria over this.
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Matt S. says:
wait…. are we allowed to talk about D.P. now? … is the coast clear? ok, good.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !!! this toy is broken. retire and lets move on already. this D.P. situation is a monkey on the organizations back and has been for too long. accept that he was the wrong goalie, who you gave a terrible contract to. we should have kept Luongo. big deal, its over now. lets move on.
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miket239 says:
YA THINK!? WITH 10 GAMES LEFT!? LMAO Oh screw it just put him in for the last home game for old times sake. After that, when will Rickety Ricks next game be??? ANd how long after THAT 1st game will he go down with an injury…time will surely tell! Oh the humanity.
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Dan says:
Ricky is not sitting at home playing video games. He is doing his best to get back on the ice but his body keeps failing him for one reason or another. Maybe he is trying to hard. We have Rollie who has been a great sign and I still cannot believe that Philly or Chicago did not trade for him. That of course works great for us for next season knowing we do have a number 1 goalie for next season and DP will be a possible added bonus.
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Harold C says:
Two years of this and we’re still supposed to “root for DiPietro’s healthy return to the profession and team he loves so much.”?
That’s very “God bless us all everyone” of you CB, but while we feel for the person, the player is holding this organization hostage. Will he play? Will he hold up? Please, it’s pretty much over. If this kid didn’t have a 45 year contract, he’d have been gone already. And again, why WOULD he do the right thing and retire? Give up the money he’s guaranteed? Why would he?
God FORBID he said “You know, I can’t take the money and hold up the team. I’ll retire, work out & rehab on my own and if I can get back to health, I’ll get a chance to prove myself somewhere”.
How about a LITTLE honor Ricky? Do the right thing and retire. We’ll ALL be rooting for your return, but until then we’ve got a rebuilding to get to.
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jisles says:
dano #32 great post. Chris TMC #57 get out of denail. DP IS FINISHED. He will never play for this franchise again. He is done. Did you see him try to play this year. You do not get 2 knee ops and 2 hip ops and come back and play at the nhl level that is expected of him. And DP being a competitor should understand that and would not want to go out there and play 70%. The whole thing turned out to be a disaster. It is not DPs fault inuuries happen but it is time to move on and finally close this chapter a very ugly one to bed. LETS GO ISLANDERS.
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dan says:
man just give it up. How many times is this going to happen? I like DP but he is cooked.
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Rick says:
I’ve been critical of DiPietro in the past, but this is really just too bad. The guy was a heck of a goaltender at one point, and it’s really a shame when anyone’s career is cut short by injury after injury. I’m not saying he’s done playing, but at this point the Isles need to hope that he can stay healthy enough to be a dependable backup, and that Rolo can keep it up for another season.
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jon from nj says:
mikkkkkkkoooooo koskinen…..if the drafting of 2 goalies last year didnt send a message of what the isles think, then i don’t know what does.
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Mikey says:
Based on his quotes to Newsday, Rick sounds like he is in complete denial. If he is in the best shape of his life, then why are we giving Rick’s practice time to the goalie coach? His comments were asinine. Rick is stubborn, and I do not see him giving up on his career without a long, hard fight. At some point in the near future, the Isles may need to force Rick to retire. There must be a mechanism in NHL contracts whereby the team can force the player to retire if NHL medical staff determines that the player cannot recover from injury. The Isles need to take control of this situation very soon. This nonsense is a huge distraction for the coach and all of our players. We need to move on as quickly as possible.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Sad … But can anyone tell me they didn’t see this coming?
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Ok, Chris, I love you man, but you’re dead wrong on this one. Roloson is a starter. DP is also a starter. DP cannot be counted on because he can’t stay healthy. But that’s ok because…like I said…Roloson is a starter.
If DP gets hurt again next year, we can just trade a late round pick for a backup because…all we would need is someone that plays once every 8 games.
2 weeks ago you were talking about how bad it was to have 3 starters. You said it doesn’t benefit any of them. I agree with that.
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Jim says:
I know it’s frustrating to see DP go out again, but what’s wrong with carrying him along until he himself gives up on resuming his career so long as we carry two other quality goaltenders.
The fact that even at 100% DP is really only an avearge goaltender who can show occasional flashes of greatness is a story for another day.
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Ajax says:
What I find most disturbing is that after what happened with Biron this year with the aweful 3 goalie rotation, what goalie in their right mind would want to sign here to play beside Rolo?
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Poulin and Koskonen for AHL next year I think. Interesting to see what they do with Lawson and Munroe. Lawson is tied up but Munroe is UFA. More interesting is Ridderwall finally indicated he’s ready to come over (not that there is a goalie glut).
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Matt says:
7 games – 4.5 million – not bad.
It’s over
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SneakyPete77 says:
Time to retire! Honestly, I don’t think Rick’s body can handle the stress of being an NHL goalie. How many injuries has this guy had over his career? I lost count. Either that, or the Mets and Islanders share doctors???
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jisles (62): I will assume you mean denial- and there is nothing in what I said that can be imagined by you or anyone else as denial. I addressed the idea that Rick might play again AND that he might not. I think the Isles will be fine regardless. How the heck is that “denying” anything?
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StevieL says:
Please everything we needed to know on the future of DP we found out last June when 2 of our most valuable picks went for goaltending. At least DP can hold his head high and say he left it on the ice!!
Also what is with Gordo and his attitude towards the press? ” I’m done talking about that”! What would he like to talk about? Lighten up Scotty!!The fan’s deserve some insight from the coach!! Maybe our next one will be more fan friendly!! -
onesinceforty says:
I respectfully disagree about the salary comment portion of your post CB. That money could/should be used elsewhere to address our pressing needs. Buying him out is not an option with 20 years of obligation. Let’s hope he is sound or retires but it is the uncertainty that is so detrimental to the team and the fans. Fish or Cut Bait!
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Andy in Floral Park says:
Hopefully the Isles learned a valuable lesson in handling the DP situation. It will be one thing to get him healthy enough to play. But the only place that Ricky should be playing is Bridgeport. Not only playing there,but at a level that ensures that a call up will be based on merit instead of contract. The NHL is not a developmental league.The Islanders cant do a damn thing to insure Ricky’s health,but he needs to EARN that roster spot back.
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LES says:
did we not learn a lesson with yashin? these multi year million dollar contracts are foolish dp is done he is a distraction and needs to retire immediatly
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a REAL hockey fan says:
.. Listen we all know the track record of Rick and his injuries, the guy has really worked hard to come back and we should APPLAUD him 4 that!
.. He is still young (especially for a goalie) but we cant hold our breath! We have a solid goalie in Rollie and some good prospects. How about some BIGGER-MEANER Defenseman (to protect him literally/physically) if he ever comes back? Hows that sound compared to the smurfs we have?
.. I see alot of anger/frustration at Depietro and its understandable to a point. Dont be mad at Ricky about the 15 yr contract, be upset at the people in charge of the signing!
.. I dont see him as a “distraction”, hes just a hurt player – the team is not waiting around and lighting candles to him, they are moving foward and plan accordingly! If he comes back ok then, but if he doesnt then they have “planned” for that and are ready!!
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Brian G says:
Hopefully we are all wrong…I hope DP could come back and at least play the last 3 games of the year just to see if he has any more knee swelling/health issues after those starts so the Isles don’t have to wait till next year to find out anything else with him…and so they have a clear picture of what they need to do with their goaltending for 2010-11.
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the only person DP is kidding is DP. Someday (hopefully soon) he’ll realize his brain and body are not in sync.
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Yashin for President says:
cant wait for Mikko..
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Hey Noooowww!!!! says:
DP’s failure to fulfill his contract typifies the Islanders failures do to radical moves of which created a stigma that we are a “mickey mouse” org…I hope to God that the Isles being a laughing stock is a thing of the past and Wang will allow Garth to build a team without butting in…
I have a question…Is there not any protection for Wanger or are we tied to him no matter what???I was hoping that if the unfortunate event accurs where DPs career ended, of which looks very possible, after they exhausted every way possible to get him back and he ends up retiring wouldn’t they put something in the contract saying that if his a career is ending by injury and after they exhausted all means of getting him back is there any type of clause to protect the Isles and Wanger???Anyone know???
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Lighthousemylasthope says:
CB, You were right on in August. However, all anybody really needed to see was the Draft last year. That spoke all we needed to know. For the health of this Team next year, the name “DP” should not even be brought up. Get 2 Goalies in shape, Rollie and someone else and “think” about DP for 2011-2012
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vigs says:
Next year HAS to be DP’s last chance. I truly hope he can come back 100% next year, but if he cannot prove that he can stay healthy (even for half a season), than the guy really needs to retire.
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Can the Islanders go into next season with the same uncertainty revolving around DP? Do they really need 2 goalies again besides DP? Then what happens when he comes back? What goalie will sign here knowing that as soon as DP comes back, their backup role to Roli is done and all they get is half the practice time they should with 3 goalies sharing 2 nets. It’s not fair to anyone.
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Isn’t one of the Injuries also, when he went diving out to the Blue Line in a Montreal game. I think Milbury was still around then, and basically called DP a Moron for trying that, because he would hurt himself badly. Guess Milbury was right about something after all.
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Bronx 56 says:
I was hoping he was gonna play tonight you would have seen 3Dipietros with your special glasses on. (hope he gets back)
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Hollywood says:
To all who show negativity towards DP, you should be embarrassed! I wish people would stop blaming him for us not making the playoffs, it’s just wrong. This kid could have gave up but instead has worked his butt off. I look fwd to his return and know that he won’t let anything stop him!
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Lee says:
#84—–From what I heard over the years is that the clauses in DP’s contract is as follows. If DP retires due to non-health issues i.e. plays 10 out of 15 years and decides he doesnt have it anymore than the Islanders can buy out the final 5 years at the reduced rate over double the time. If DP retires due to INJURY…then the Islanders pay him in full for the remaining duration of the contract. Anybody is welcome to confirm this!!!
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isles72 says:
it only became a distraction when Biron was the third wheel
had they just signed Roloson and used Munroe as the backup it would have been a ideal situation.
shuttling Munroe between ny and b’port wouldnt have been as bad as Biron sitting in the rafters for weeks at a time .
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Hockey1919 says:
Okay, no surprise, no big deal. The Islanders have Roloson next season, multiple options for a backup and drafted several goalies in anticipation of this very scenario. I hope he recovers and is once again an asset to the organization, but for now he is a non-issue. Please no more talk of the contract, this team does not have any cap issues so it has no affect on who they can bring in other than willingness to spend the money.
DP is a problem if the Islanders bring him back prematurely, don’t plan for his prolonged absence and give him ice time that is not merited. Then again that wouldn’t be DPs fault, but the managements.
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thepolishprince says:
Whatever. At this point I’m done with the idea that DP will ever start a meaningful number of games. The organization is as well since they drafted two goalies relatively early last summer. Get well Rick.
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msolo says:
IMHO DP
do what grant hill of the magic did , after all his surgeries , he tried right away to come back and failed miserably – took 2 seasons off and came back strong
his body naturally healed and dp thats what you need to do
afterall your surgies and rehabs , your not giving your body a chance to heal
so i say walk away for a season or two and do nothing hockey
my opinion only but you will always be one of my favorite isles goalies – cant forget that like some do
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isles71 says:
Real Isles need my PlayStation GM…we not only have Roloson & Backstrom from the Wild, Manny Fernandez is in the minors….if only we lived in the world of TRON!!!!
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j says:
cant help but feel sorry for DP. id be curious to see what the annual salary works out to be on a per game played basis since he signed the 15 yr deal.
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valentino says:
DP situation is no different than Brett Lindros when we drafted him. Yes the Islanders will most likely pay out the remainder of his contract if he retires early due to injury BUT the Islanders have insurance against this so the Islanders would be reimbursed for what every money they pay him. So in a nutshell, the insurance money makes up for the isles loss.
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DJMC93 says:
my problem is more with Snow and Wang. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve said it plenty of times that I am a huge supporter of this rebuild and whatnot but when it comes to Ricky…I, and obviously the majority of my fellow fans, are sick of hearing lies. I can’t understand why Garth continued over and over to leave this expectation that Rick is OK and is going to play again then 2 days ago is asked about Rick and he says “I’m done talking about that” … I support the team and its direction and the time it will take to become a big competitor , but please stop giving us lies and brushing things under the rug. I agree with deadhead654 when he said the validity of the GM and Owners word is in question. I have been a fan for years and hate not questioning everything that they say to us now. Having said that, I feel really bad for Rick…things just don’t seem to be working out and he was on track to become a phenomenal nhl goaltender. GET BETTER RICK, well see you next season
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mrlbem says:
DP is much different than Lindros. From the time we drafted Brett to the time he had to retire, was it more than 2 or 3 years? 4 at the most? This June will make 10 years since we drafted Ricky and the uncertainty over his status has to affect the organization. Until it’s resolved, we’ll never get more than a stopgap as a starting goalie. Roli has been great and we’re fortunate to have him. But we’ll never get a younger guy with long term upside (think Craig Anderson) in here as long as this situation drags on.
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JtorBust says:
I wish DP the best but at the end of the day Wang has to forget about his man crush and do what is best for the team. How can there be no clause or insurance to protect the organization form a career ending injury? Can any business person be that dumb? If we really have to pay a player who prob will not play the final 10 years of his contract combined with a front office that won’t spend I think it might be the final nail in the coffin for this club.
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Hoguefanclub says:
Go away already! Sheesh.
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Ricky says:
If he was never injured, he would have been a top NHL goalie. With all of the injuries, he will never be a full time starter. The best thing that we can hope for is that his injuries make him retire early and his insurance takes the rest of his contract.
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CB, is Ridderwall still in the Isles plans?
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hyedray says:
Nice post as usual CB. I hope that DePietro recovers at some point, and I hope the Isles can inject the proper PR into the situation, because they have handled the entire DePietro circumstance very badly. As for Rick—I think he needs to consider if he is helping or hurting the team if/when he comes back. He has bad habits of rushing back. You hit the nail on the head with his stint in Bridgeport. He came back much to soon. CB—Perhaps at some point you can run some profiles on who could come in here and play with Roloson next season—and perhaps beyond. Additionally, if he is ‘done,’ how does that effect our cap status?
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
I hope Rick gets healthier in time. He has been a great player throughout his career and hopefully it won’t be cut short by this. Best of luck!
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Jethro09 says:
One word: retire. I find it hard to believe that it is taking him two years to recover from “meniscal surgery”. There’s got to be something else wrong with his knee. If it hasn’t healed in two years, its never going to heal. DP and the team need to move on. Its unfortunate, a healty DP is a top-tier goaltender who could really help this team win.
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In response to post 101, NHL contracts are insurable for up to 7 years of contract length. So, if DP tries and fails to come back next season and retires due to injury, the insurance company is on the hook for the first 7 years, and Wangster is on the hook for the remainder – IF Wang insured the contract (an expensive gamble either way). Insurance is optional. And I agree with mrlbem that DP remaining on the IR means that the team is in a holding pattern in net until DP “decides” whether he can play, which means no star or elite goalie with a long term future will want to be a part of the Isles – not with the spectre of DP hanging over him. Conclusion? Either Wang “asks” DP to retire (and gives him a lucrative organization posting), or the team remains in a holding pattern in net, hanging on the whims of DP’s medical status.
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Double W says:
i feel bad for the Rick. Sadly, it may be time for him to consider retirement. I am sure he has never felt frustration and disappointment like he feels right now. Seems like a proud guy, and I am sure feels like he is letting down his team mates, the organization and the fans.
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islesfanofMTL says:
I hope i realy hope he will come back,but my hearth think the opposite to be honest i think we should now focus on future and the future is Koskinen.
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hoser14 says:
Bummer about DP, but not too surprising.
Bring DP back before he was ready, sapped whatever mojo the Islanders had builded up, they where above .500 and battling for 7th place.
Looking back, Snow should had sent DP through waivers down to Bridgeport so he can work his way back in hockey shape without disrupting the Islanders season. Nobody was ever going to claim DP and his contract.
But DP is still young with a contract that still has over a decade to go. Hopefully Snow and DP will use the next few months and him go through “normal” off-season condictioning and see how DP’s knees and hips feel at training (no China trip) camp and have him start at Bridgeport like he should had started this year.
If, and I do hope not, but if DP is not ready, its almost time to turn the page on DP as a number 1 goalie and move on…….
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Angelos says:
I’m praying for the miraculous comeback of DP. That said, since Roloson plays better the more he plays why not bring up Munroe or Lawson and have them backup for 15-20 games next season? Our other goalies with better ‘upside’ need another year of seasoning at the Bridge. I’m no talent scout, but they have good GAA and Save % on a notsogood Tigers team.
Anyone?
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Ron says:
This was accounted for when the Isles went goalie heavy in the 2009 draft. We needed a 2 year bridge to get to the kids – thus the 2 year Roloson deal. DP was written off then (correctly) as nothing more than a lottery ticket. How does this change anything? I bash Snow and Wang as much as anyone, but this si the hand they were dealt (post-injury) and they have played it as well as it can be played.
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Bill says:
feel bad for him, but if this is a true rebuild, i feel like one position you need a stable cornerstone at is the guy who will be keeping pucks out of the net.
if we want a team that can compete in the playoffs for years to come, i think we need to find someone who can be back there for 5 years straight, rather than the revolving door at goaltender the islanders have had.
macdonald
denis
biron
roloson
lawson
dubie
dipietroall those guys (and im sure more that i cant remember) have been in net in the last 3-4 years. we have a goaltender by comittee type thing that i dont agree with.
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Rick says:
It looks like Neil Smith was right. You don’t give out 15 year contracts!! DP has become the Carl Pavano of Hockey.
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IslesNation says:
I may be called crazy with this proposal, but I think it may work out if the stars align just right. After this year DP still has 11-12 years left on his contract. He hasn’t completed a full season in 3 years. How about this: Wang and Snow go to DP and respectively ask him to step aside and work on a temporary retirement package for the next 2-3 seasons (not sure if league would allow this). Give Ricky 1-2 mil. a year for the next few seasons and bring up some of the goalie prospects after Roly plays next year. After 2-3 years of full health for DP, he comes back and still has 8 years left on his contract, and he’s still on 31 years old. It may be the best for everyone involved and give Ricky a chance to come back at a true 100%
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Jim Clark says: Dear Rick DiPietro: Please do not give up on your comeback. Quitters never win. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? You played
462 minutes this years as opposed to 256 minutes in 2008-09. At this rate you will be back to 3,500 minutes a year in 2020..when you contract will still have two years left and the Islanders/TOH will still be arguing about the Lifesaver Project. -
Gary says:
CB….When rick got this wacky contract, it was stated in the paers that they were having trouble getting him insurance for that long to protect the team if he went out in injury–I think i remember something about Wang self-insuring… When does it actually kick in? Waiting for a magical date to declare hes LTD?
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JSExpress says:
One way or another the organization needs to resolve this issue prior to the start of next season. The Islanders can’t be expected to be a consistent playoff contender until they have stability between the pipes.
As much as I’d love to see Pretty Ricky come back, I have serious doubts. After missing the better part of two seasons with seemingly chronic injuries, I question whether or not any amount of rehab or rest will allow DP (or any keeper for that matter) to come back and compete at the highest level again.
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Alison says:
CB – I appreciate you keeping us all informed on the DP situation. Would love to see a post from your perspective on which goalies in the system have a chance in the NHL, AHL and ECHL next year. I really like what Scott Munroe showed us in BPT this season, and wonder (in your opinion) if he has a shot as a backup for the Isles next year. Also interested in hearing which prospects we may see new in the system.
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kevo says:
put a fork in him…he’s done!
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Davy says:
DiPietro is a true sports tradgedy, I feel bad for him, could have had a brilliant career.
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rich says:
never say never
Many Jets fans counted Chad Pennington out after his 2nd shoulder injury. Yet 2 years later he beat out Clemens and led us to the playoffs. We then dumped him for Favre and he led the Fins to the playoffs. Superstars have a way of making it back. As for the 15 year deal it is not DP’s fault that he signed the deal – imagine how frustrated he must be, i bet he would return the $ to get his health back – i feel bad for him.If i am Snow you plan on DP not returning and if he does (and i hope he does) then as CB says it is gravy. Of course the 15 year deal means that even if he makes it back and his replacement is great you will have to keep DP and trade/waive the other guy. Because no one will ever take DP off our hands. And we will be talking about this for years and years and…..
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isles14 says:
i feel bad for dp.but it has the feel like this is coming to the end.hope i am wrong.
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upstatebackstop says:
I hope snow signs Dan Ellis this summer. The guy could be a 30 game winner, but no ones gives him a chance as a #1 goalie. I think he’s an upgrade from Biron either way. 2 years/2 million per. And hey we have a goalie coach for the next 11 years!
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Scott says:
Top form? Wanna bet the isles will carry three goalies next year.
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Jeff says:
12 starts in 2 years. How few games does he have to play in order for the Isles to retire him due to injury?
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petey says:
roloson has been huge, where’s the respect from the team?
SHOCKER!!