DiPIETRO GETS THE CALL HE HOPED FOR
DP starts opener, plus your Friday Night Notes
Instant updates on Twitter4:00 pm: Rick DiPietro has become boring. When the press enters the Islanders’ home locker room at the Coliseum, the goalie stays low-key. In interviews, he rarely acts the wiseMass. Teammates say they’ve never seen him so serious, so intense.
DiPietro, gleefully married for a year but having endured more than two years of career hell, now plays the part of a 29-year-old man who only wants to be healthy and help the Islanders win hockey games.
“When you have a part of your career taken from you,” said DiPietro, “you appreciate what you have even more. I was never someone who took things for granted, but now every practice, every game, every win means even more.”
As expected, the Islanders named DiPietro the starting goaltender for the home opener on Saturday against the Dallas Stars. Illustrating how much the franchise believes the 2000 first overall pick still means to the fanbase a decade later, the Islanders announced DiPietro’s start 30 hours before faceoff. This, coming off a season in which Scott Gordon routinely told reporters they needn’t bother asking him who was starting that night’s game. Today’s announcement might not have been surprising or earth-shaking, but it says about the Islanders and their once and possibly future franchise goalie.
Beginning with his premature end to last season, and including two months spent rehabilitating and strengthening with daily workouts in California, DiPietro was focused on starting 2010-11 as one of the Islanders’ two goaltenders on opening night. In an interview with Point Blank, he acknowledged that he entered this training camp stronger and healthier than he has been in two years. Team management, and the goaltender himself, have also become wiser with experience and are allowing for rest days, detailing the timing to the media and fans in advance.
“I’m just very determined to put the injuries behind me, to do the best that I can,” said DiPietro. “I want to play and I want to keep my promise to be part of a championship team here. If I’m not playing on a given night, I’ll be loud and boisterous in the room and on the bench. All I want, more than anything else, is for us to start winning. I don’t think we have to talk about rebuilding anymore.”
DiPietro was asked, in lieu of yet another story where it’s impossible to predict how many games he’ll play this season – really now, if I get asked that one more time on a radio show – if he had any fun or interesting details to share about his life. Maybe a celebrity encounter, an exciting vacation, a locker room anecdote.
“Nah, not really,” he said. “I’d tell you, but there’s not much there anyone would find interesting.”
There’s boring DiPietro again. Islanders fans would sign up for it staying that way, and the comebacking goalie getting back to ho-hum regular starts without interruptions by dramatic injury updates.
“I had a good week of practices,” he said before heading to the workout room. “Now it’s off to the races.”
Saturday’s Guest Star: Rex Ryan is dropping the ceremonial opening faceoff before Saturday’s game. Remember when Islanders home openers were about the Islanders? Why not celebrate your own tradition? Would the Jets ever ask a hockey player or coach to flip the coin at one of their openers? Of course not. The Jets, who left Long Island twice, celebrate the Jets.
The Flats Show: Patrick Flatley has been tabbed to succeed Butch Goring as the Islanders’ representative on MSG Network’s “Hockey Night Live.” Flats was never very comfortable in his relief appearances on TV as a game analyst, but with time he should be excellent in a studio setting.
Camp Shutout: Here’s Garth Snow in July to Newsday, when the Islanders announced camp would be on Long Island after their China trip was cancelled:
It’s going to be exciting to have training camp right here in Long Island. Our fans haven’t had that opportunity for the past few years and it should be fun to connect with the community.
The Islanders had one session of training camp open to the public: a scrimmage that cost $10 per ticket (to the Islanders’ Children’s Foundation) and fans were charged for parking. The franchise hosted one event, its annual season kickoff fundraiser at Adventureland they would host whether they had camp on Long Island, Saskatoon or China. The rest of camp closed to the fans.
NYI Confirm Hofstra Deal: updated at 7:15 pm The Islanders sent out a press release confirming the details of their radio arrangement with Hofstra University. Chris King will handle play-by-play, students will take care of most of the rest. The partnership begins with the home opener and WRHU 88.7 FM will “broadcast games throughout the 2010-11 NHL season.”
Comments related to this post. See you Saturday.
81 Responses to DiPIETRO GETS THE CALL HE HOPED FOR
DP starts opener, plus your Friday Night Notes
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paulyg says:
2nd…..go get em Rickyyyyyy
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now if i can figure out how to get my tixx 40% off then im going….lol
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Shred Instead says:
Opening Night is an Event. Who cares who drops the Puck, as long as it is somebody the Crowd will like. Baseball has non-baseball people throw out important games’ 1st Pitch all the time. There is plenty to blast the Isles for, but not this one.
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Stumpy32 says:
This is exactly what it looks like – DP’s last shot to make this thing work. He’s in great shape, no issues with the knees after a full camp. If he falls again, gets hurt early, can’t play…then, well, what else can the Isles do but really go full-boar into a new goalie era?
DP is the starting goalie of the present and future…right now. But this is the last time you’ll hear that.
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Brian says:
0-1-0
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gus mouse says:
I hope Ricky does well and wins on Saturday night – but I would feel a whole lot more comfortable if Roli started against the Rangers. He will keep an even keel, while Ricky will be too excited and will overplay everything. Hoping for a 2 and 0 start to the season.
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PotvinRocks says:
So I’m guessing Roloson will get the Rangers? Otherwise it will be a long season for our MVP last season.
Why don’t the Islanders hire Trottier to drop the puck. This could be the job Garth promised him 2 months ago! Disgraceful. -
isles71 says:
Rick deserves this. He has worked extremely hard to get back to the NHL. That said, I still feel that he should be limited to no more than every 3rd start or about 25-28 games max. Remember he still has about 11 yrs left and would rather see 12-6-6 than 3-5-2 and out for another year. We will finish within the top 8 with this defense, Roloson and a HEALTHY DP…let Roli play 60 and see what happens, we all know rotation won’t work and Ricky hasn’t proved he can play more than 8 in a given year….Go Islanders
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hollywood says:
Good news for Rick! The guy deserves this, he has done all he can and hopefully it pays off!
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EdTurner says:
Good for you DP.
I hope all of your hard work re-habbing pays off and you have a GREAT season.
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JD says:
Like the others have said, good for Rick. Hopefully he stays healthy and the team rests him when he needs it. As far as Rex goes, lets hope he doesn’t have a live Microphone attached to him.
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Perry Card says:
I think its great that Rex Drops the puck. Maybe he will bring some of the Jets with him. That will add to the attendance. Now there will only be 4,990 empty seats
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kurvers28 says:
Might be because I am a die-hard Giants fan as well, but much rather have someone with Isles roots dropping the puck. Hogue? Turgeon? Volek?
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Staten Islander says:
Great for Rick, the guy’s been thru alot. I hope he stays healthy this year
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Phil says:
Crossing my fingers for you DP – now STAY IN YOUR NET!!!!!
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Steve says:
Hope that Ricky stays healthy for a long term.
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Sidd Finch says:
I hope DP is completely healthy and we finally get the franchise goalie we expected.
As for Rex Ryan, that’s nice, bring in the coach of the other “quasi” – NY football team that sold out Hofstra and Nassau county. I might as well just be a Devil fan for all that’s worth. I guess Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel will be out in a few weeks too?
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JB says:
Great posts today CB! Alot more candid and realistic than usual. It’s nice to see someone tell the truth for a change.
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Brian @ Work in DC says:
he will play about 5 minutes until he make a save and unfortunately gets a concussion or tears an ACL/MCL/PCL… Sorry its just over… I fully expect Roli in net with Mikko backin’ him up when I see the Isles get “boatraced” 6-0 @Verizon…
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Oye Comeau Va says:
Wishing the best to Ricky and that he stays healthy…. and doesn’t venture too far out of the crease.
Wish I had the ability to go back in time and make the China trip work. Streit and Okposo may be…..
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Tony F. says:
Yes Rick good for you, just please stay in the crease!
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Darren says:
He’ll be out with an injury mid second period.
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IslanderFAN says:
the right call…DP deserved to be in goal…Roloson did a great job last year but hes 41, sooner then later it will catch up with him and beside DP is the more talented goalie of the 2
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Mark in Ottawa says:
Get out the NBA scoreboard …..
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RyFromLI says:
CB..i wouldn’t get too worked up about Rex dropping the puck. I look at it as similar to a baseball game where other players from the area would throw out the first pitch. Plus, if the Isles aren’t going to win it this year, there’s no harm in celebrating the team that has a legit shot.
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Kevin says:
Don’t freakin’ overhandle the puck!!!!! Do you think fatty will be wearing an XXXL Isles jersey?
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Jim Clark says: Good to have DP back between the pipes where he belongs (and will be for the next 12 years).
CB is right about having who drops the puck. With all the legends associated with this team, they get a loudmouth football coach from a team that is so dishonest they lie about which state they play in.
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Mike says:
CB, I guess practices are closed to the fans again this season?
Rex Ryan? This guy couldn’t name more then 2 Isles, if not a former player atleast Kevin Connelly has a clue about who is on the team. -
Brian G says:
We could not get Kevin Conolly again
I’m not outraged, but I totally agree with CB – what has Rex Ryan ever done except be a big mouth
You mean we could not get Ziggy, Turgeon
The only good non celebrity guests that was a good idea on opening night was what they did on Opening Night in 2001 Aganist the Red Wings after 9/11 – that was something to remember – the eagle, all of the players helping with the flag, the cops coming down from the rafters….Chris write a story about that night…we need something positive, before going back to the doom & gloom of this season – thanks
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Petey Pete says:
I’m not ecstatic about this one. This should’ve been Roloson’s job until proven otherwise.
To just hand DiPietro the opener is reckless, in my opinion. I want to see DiPi succeed more than anything, but this reeks of desperation (a recurring theme the last week or so).
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znatokhokkeya says:
Good luck to DP keeping his promise to be part of a championship team here
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Also, I want to give the Rex Ryan puck-drop two thumbs up. I’d much rather see someone relevant like Rex Ryan than some dinosaur like Ed Westfall that no one under 30 even remembers.
Turgeon or Palffy would’ve been perfect, but not everything is easy with this org.
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Drew says:
I just hope Rex gives the Isles a pep talk before the game and ends it like he did in hard knocks, “LET’S GO EAT A G** D*** SNACK!”
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Mario says:
Wi sh I could be there but I got a job working for the sound tigers and there home opener is tomorrow night also. Good luck DP and Isles, start the year off right with 2 wins.
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Steve M says: Last time I saw him play was against New Jersey last January, he shut them out 4-0. He played great in that game, but so did the Isles’ offence so we’ll see what happens tomorrow. I’ll be at the game.
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TurgeonFan77132 (Matt) says:
Nice to hear Flatley is back for the Isles.
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P&D B in Queens says:
Glad Flats is back. He was a favorite of my father and I so it will be nice to see him.
If there’s one thing that Rick has learned so far through everything I hope it’s to stay in the net and not try to play every puck and go for a home run pass each time.
I love the guy but it was scary to watch with him all over the place.
Also, I really hope that Rick can stay healthy. I think it will be a big morale boost for the players and the fans.
I can not wait for this season to start!
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Good for Rick! Although I never felt that he played like a #1 pick, maybe this injury of his will be some sort of revelation. I DID always like his swagger, especially during Rag games. Good Luck Boys!
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
I’ve always appreciated Rick’s enthusiasm … I’m really rooting for him more than anything this season. More than anything I just hope he stays healthy. Baby steps.
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As far as Garth’s comments after the China trip was cancelled and then the inevitable shut out of fans from camp. Par for the course.
Is it sad that I now have low expectations for the Islanders’ front office decisions?
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2Bit says:
D.P. definitely deserves this. And I hope and pray after this year all his injuries are of the past & we can joke about them into the future as he helps us hoist the cup! Good luck Ricky! rooting for you and the boys to turn a lot of heads this season!
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Silkshocker says:
To think prince dipietro will stay healthy most of the next 3 years is absurd if you have ever had a knee injury. I wish him the best but list his odds at 20 – 1. I fault Wang for making him the starter just like last season he took over for roleson. Only a team run on the “buddy” system makes these decisions.
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Jeff in Oyster Bay says:
Hopefully the Isles can play defense like sexy Rexy’s Jets do.
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BB says:
Once again The Owner is handing the “BOY WONDER” a starting job that Rollie earned. What does this show to the younger players on this team? Sorry this is the wrong decision at the wrong time.
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Eric Fichaud says:
I love Rick’s new pads. That camo design is awesome!
Anyone else notice that?
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bob says:
As long as Roloson is given an equal share of games I don’t see the big deal or think it’s the wrong decision. When Ricky was given back to back games against the Sabres and Devils last year (although he won both) THAT was the wrong decision. Stick with the plan, 30-35 starts for DP if he stays healthy and Rollie gets the rest. Good for DP
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IsleFan73 says:
DP deserves the start, even though I think he is a bit overrated. He will be here for how many more years? lets see if Rollie even makes it to the trade deadline. CB, regarding Rex and training camp issues, I have bigger issues with Snow and Wang, such as having an undersized team, no support for JT, signing castoffs, and being so under the cap. I would take them to the woodshed on those issues, not these other non-events. As a Jet fan, I am more critical of Rex dropping the puck. He should be home watching video preparing for his next game.
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BringBackNyles says:
Let Kate Murray drop the first puck…then have Rex check her into the boards
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jon from nj says:
#48, I’d pay to see that more than this team lose this year.
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D in BIG D says:
Isles need to get out the gate quick if they stand any chance of making playoffs this year.10-5-5 after the 1st 20 games might do it..500 hockey from there on out and Playoffs here we come.Go Isles
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Marc says:
Radio deal is for the regular season games. Was that an oversight or are the Hofstra folks and/or the Islanders smart enough to know that the playoffs are a long shot? In a few years, Mr. Met might drop the first puck, at least that would make more sense than Rex.
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csk says:
might have preferred to see Roloson start, but lets see what Ricky has
agreed with above on not roaming too far…
has anyone developed an ‘invisible fence’ for goaltenders?
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cgs878 says:
With DP in goal, I might actually watch the game. Yay!
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IslesinOside says:
Good for Rick. I agree with the Opener Start for him. If he’s ready then let’s either Sh!# or get off the pot!
I hope he stays healthy it would be a shame for such a young talented kid to have his career ended before it began. -
Bob says:
Even with a healthy Streit, Okposo and DiPietro, the Islanders still fall short of a legit playoff team. The Islanders are putting a $30 million team on the ice and that will show in the final standings. We can’t continue to hope for another Matt Moulson every year and hoping every player on the roster has a career year. Simply put, the Islanders just don’t have the talent to be competitive this season. I predict 14th in the East and 28th overall.
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Jzimm says:
We haven’t even played a game yet, and I’m already sick of the Islander “last place” talk. I hope DiPietro has a great year and this team just shuts everyone up, and not a moment too soon, as Mark Streit comes back in time for the playoffs!
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Isles fan in Fla says:
I understand DP getting the nod, but how can anyone say he DESERVES this? He hasnt earned it as he’s been out for two years. Rollie deserves it as he was their MVP last season. But I get it, challenge DP right off the bat. If he cant handle the workload and gets hurt then be done with him. But he certainly dosent deserve it.
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Islebethere4u says:
Hey CB, Will WRHU also stream the Islanders broadcast on the web like they do their regular programming?
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mrlbem says:
Do you think this was Gordon’s call or was this an edict from a higher authority? Well, if last season’s Stanley Cup final proved anything, it’s that you don’t necessarily need elite goaltending to make it to the Stanley Cup finals. We can only hope.
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Islander Pride says:
I agree with #4 and CB didnt Tavares throw out the first pitch for the Mets? We have bigger problems then who drops the puck.But im happy because hockey is back. I will pray for you DP
LET’S GO ISLANDERS ! ! ! -
dynasty23x4 says:
hope the best for dp. realize he has only had one decent team in front of him since hes been drafted and that was the short lived ‘revival’ in the peca and yashin led year. the guy needs a legit chance. put him in detroit the last 10 years and he might have a handful of cups too..injuries happen, just wish hed learn to stay in the crease
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cm2747 says:
unfortunately for rick its not his injuries that are his problems–it;s his horrible style of play-if he continues to wander and give up those stupid goals we will go nowhere..
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bayduvinislander says:
I remember HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED saying “Think Tom Barrasso ” when it drafted DP. Barrasso almost entirely missed two seasons, 1994–95 and 1996–97 but came back with good performances in the following years. Lets hope HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED did have a clue after all. I’ve dissed you a thousand times DP, but I’m hoping you make me eat my words.
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StevieL says:
Good luck Ricky! Rex whatever! Should have given Giamatti and the Taveras Jersey the call! Maybe Tina Fey would have come with LI boy Alec Baldwin!! Thats a little buzz!!
As far as Pre-season, I heard last night that the Penguind had a preseason game where they gave away “all” the tickets for free to school kids and youth groups, so they could see their new arena! Thats how you create excitement and win the youth! Think the Isles would ever do that? Yeah right! -
steven says:
I think it was a matter of matchups and they felt safer with Roli against the Rags.
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sean says:
Booooo!!!!! 12 more years of dp
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Alex says:
please tell me he doesn’t wear those pads tomorrow!
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Frank James says:
He who loses money, loses much;
He who loses a friend, loses more;
He who loses faith, loses all.Let’s Go Islanders!
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barney stinson says:
What’s wrong with those pads?
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German Islesfan says:
DP deserve it. It looks he had the better trainings camp like Rolo so simple is that.
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Killer Carlson says:
Chris, they are running off all of the old Islanders (Patty, Trottier, for example). Won’t be long until Bossy and Goring are gone too. Have to go to Ryan, who is the belle of the NY ball right now. It’s sad.
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ken says:
Happy Holiday everyone. Go Get’Em DP and co!
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Little G says:
“Let’s go have a damn snack!” – J – E – T -S, Jets Jets Jets…There couldn’t be a better choice than King Rex…come on now Chris, would you like them to choose Christy Brinkley again? Go root for the Yankees and Giants in silence.
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i dont want him to drop the puck. i want him to grab a mic and fire up the crowd.
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Rombough says:
What a difference a year makes. Last year, Rex would have EATEN the puck!
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turgeon says:
tavares threw out first pitch once for mets last year and hell accomplish much more than rex ever will
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Chris Mc says:
I don’t mind watching the Jets coach drop the first puck and I hate the Jets.
Seeing a Jet out there reminds me that at least the Islanders don’t have the longest championship drought in NY. Its something.
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Let’s play good hard old school Islander hockey tonight. I am hoping for entertaining games where the boys make some serious strides this year. Anything else is cake.
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JOE says:
LETS GO RICKY
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dose says:
maybe DP/Rolo will take us back to the old days of goalie tandems splitting the games down the middle, ie. smith/resch, giacomin/villamure, cheevers/johnston.
like everyone i’ll be watching with fingers crossed, but i think it’s cool that DP is back at least for now. rolo is really solid, but ricky can charge the whole atmosphere if he’s right.
also cool is the radio deal. it’s gonna be fun to listen in even as the tv is on, as long i can get the signal here in park slope.
i have bossy’s red titan turbo (my most prized possession) already out, and man i am psyched for islander hockey!
Good for Rick. He’ll still need to earn the starter’s job from Roloson, but he needs the opportunity to become a cornerstone for the franchise once again. I still don’t understand those that hate him for being injured.