RICK, BE HUMBLE
DP on competition: “Who are we talking about”?
Rick DiPietro is a skilled athlete and dedicated man who has been afforded opportunities by Charles Wang and the Islanders organization that he likely would not have been given anywhere else. That’s why it becomes troubling when he makes it much tougher on himself than he has to.
At breakup day today, it appears the goaltender handled questioning about his status in the lineup as adroitly as he handles wrist shots from Jeff Carter. Katie Strang of Newsday (sub. required) provides the coverage:
DiPietro feigned confusion when asked about the competition among three goalies heading into camp next year. “Who are we talking about?” Didn’t seem to appreciate any line of questioning that dealt with him fighting for his place on the depth chart next season.
Maybe DiPietro saw the segment of SNY “Islanders Interactive” where Brian Compton and I said that Wang, Garth Snow and Jack Capuano will install him as the No. 1 goalie in October, as long as he is healthy. (Because it’s true!) Maybe he has watched too many game broadcasts, where almost every goal-against is followed by a comment like, “Ricky didn’t have a chance on that one.”
Either way, it might not have been a bad idea to acknowledge the impressive performance of Al Montoya and the obvious skill of Kevin Poulin. It would not have killed DiPietro to say something like, “Oh man, Snowy has stocked the organization with talent in goal and I’ve got my work cut out for me.”
At least on Sunday, DiPietro couldn’t bring himself to say it. DiPietro finished this season with a record of 8-14-4, a 3.44 goals-against average and .886 save percentage. Dwayne Roloson, Kevin Poulin and Montoya all had save percentages for the Islanders of .916 or higher. No competition.
Funny thing is, just yesterday, Martin Brodeur was classy enough to ask about the comebacking Islanders goaltender and say how much he’d like to see DiPietro back 100% for the long run. More on that another day.
Too bad about DiPietro today. If nothing else, it would have been appropriate for him to be respectful to his fellow goaltenders. You know, his teammates.
Comments.
202 Responses to RICK, BE HUMBLE
DP on competition: “Who are we talking about”?
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BooBoo says:
DP history
Nabokov and Montoya next year
Poulin Stanley Cup 2012-2013 -
Jamie Kaye says:
Really, DP can be such a jerk. This is why people don’t care for him, even after him trying as hard as he can to get back to playing health. We all know he will never be healthy, and his lateral movement is not the same and getting worse. This will not change, so as much as Wang wants to love him up, at some point this has to end.
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kurvers28 says:
I will boo this cancer on opening night and every game thereafter.
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John M says:
One problem is that guys with 15 year contracts can say things like that, the other problem is the team who is indebted to a guy for 15 years probably feels the same way.
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Dally Mac says:
Yep that isn’t making it easy on himself…but good job in firing up our young goalies for next year…now the competition will be intense…Go Islanders
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JM says:
DP is to the Isles as his hip is to DP
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Mtrico says:
Step 1 is admitting you have a problem. Unfortunately, Rick isn’t even there yet.
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nyi fan 16 says:
Jimbo, he’s the worst out of the 6, look at the stats. This guy is an arrogant jerk that needs to go now. Wang bit the bullet on Yashin for the good of the club, it’s time he does the same with this lemon. For goodness sake, get rid of him!
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Kyle says:
I hope DP was talking about the lack of competition in BP, where he belongs
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Jerky says:
Can he really this delusional?
To every fan who harps on his unbridled devotion to the organization and desire to win: his statement should be a MAJOR wake-up call. Being selfish and an underperformer is a bad combo.
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LuvMyIsles says:
The guy has had a bad couple of years and people have been taking shots at him all that time. Yeah, I suppose he could have been more gracious, but with the end of the season being only a few hours old, I suspect he’s still processing the personal and professional disappointment. I don’t think he meant it as an intentional slight to his teammates. I think it was more a shot at you guys who love to pick at fresh wounds. Nothing like kicking a guy when he’s down.
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Dannzzigg says:
Class is something that you either have or you don’t.
Confidence is a very valuable commodity in a netminder. Arrogance, especially when it is so completely and obviously unwarranted, is another story entirely.
Martin Brodeur has class. He also has made an arrogant comment or two in his career. But when you are a multiple cup winning goalie, arrogance is almost deserved, is it not?
What exactly has Dipietro done to earn the right to make a comment like that?
I’d love nothing more than for Dipietro to come to camp, compete for a spot and be beaten out by two other guys who are simply playing better hockey.
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D. says:
How disrespectful. Although I wouldn’t expect much else, judging by what I’ve heard from a friend who has played with him.
He has to realize at this point in his career, that he is not the best option nor the most capable out of himself, montoya, and poulin, right? Everyone has to be realistic here and stop operating on “what if” or “used to be” scenarios.
If he truly respected his team and believed in giving them the best chance to win, he would work on his conditioning in the AHL until his body gets into NHL competitive shape. Nothing else should be accepted until he’s proven ready.
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2Bit says:
I seriously hope the Isles don’t just hand DP the starting position next year. I credit him for battling through injuries and trying to make a comeback, but that all goes for not if he isn’t willing to learn from his mistakes (coming out of the net when not needed to) or work hard to be the number one goalie. Sure, he’s worked hard to make a comeback, but he needs to work even harder to be a number 1 goalie. IT’s time to humble this cocky sob. I’m sick of his smug face stroking his goatee continuously when answering questions.
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The new isles gm says:
Love the tone of this write up. Say it like it is…as you always do Chris. The guy is a d-bag, and I quote another readers comment from last week….The only thing DP stands for is “Draft Position”. He’s going to get boo’ed every time he steps in our crease. He’s obviously bitter about the situation, Montoya’s quick fan relationship and Poulin’s potential as per Patrick Roy. We’re talking about a guy who wouldn’t wear his jersey to sign autographs 3 years ago because “the fans will know who I am”….direct quote from the meathead himself. If he’s in net on opening net…he will once again be boo’ed by his own fanbase. I guess we’re not all Islanders…
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NYISLES001 says:
Dipietro is an AHL piece of crap. Get rid of the POS.
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Jim Clark says: I’m not surprised. Unlike the frog in the fable, I know the true nature of a scorpion. DiPietro was Milbury’s pet. You don’t think Mad Mike would be attracted to a modest, humble, respectful human being, do you?
I’ll keep this in mind when they finally get around to asking me about getting a ticket package next year.
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Ian G. says:
I think you are all misconstruing his intent with that remark. I can easily see him being confused by the question as in case you’ve all forgotten, the contract of Evgeni Nabokov is slated to be tolled by the Islanders next year.
It’s not too far out to think that maybe Nabby will have a change of heart in the off season and maybe come to compete for a spot rather than spend another year in the KHL or sitting out altogether.
I truly think there is a chance that this is what DiPietro may have been referring to. So before you all write him off as a jerk, perhaps you can look at this in another perspective and give him the benefit of the doubt?
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Isle be a Fan says:
Obviously the Steroids also Fried his Brain
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islandersfan4ever says:
i was saddened to tears at the closing of our season last night. whenever DP is in goal I groan and expect to lose.thats just a given. For him to be so arrogant about HIS reality shows how delusional he still is.Please retire this jerk so we have a chance to win. Dipietro, your good days are behind you. Buh Bye.
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Dipoetro was never that good anyway. He is a waste of a 1st overall draft pick. The only thing he could do was handle the puck. He has majow holes, and gives up soft goals consistantly. Get rid of the no talent POS.
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PotvinRocks says:
Obviously DP didn’t read any of the comments where the fans have questioned his ability. DP has a contract where he can dictae stuff like this. Not only was he the worst of the three but his numbers put him in the bottom 5 of the league. Maybe he should not listen to Butchy who saw Billy Jaffe lose his job with the Islanders because he was not enough of a homer. He is and has always been cocky, it’s just that now he doesn’t have the ability to back up his cockiness. Garth & Charles have to have sit down with him about his future, and maybe they should show him what Weight decided to do.
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admin says:
Ian: I would have agreed with you about the “Who are we talking about”? comment, but then Katie Strang included this personal reaction in her story that changes everything:
“Didn’t seem to appreciate any line of questioning that dealt with him fighting for his place on the depth chart next season.” As you know, Katie is a very fair reporter…CB
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St4rr says:
After watching his start yesterday, I said to myself “there is no way he could dissapoint me anymore than this.” but less than 24 hours later he managed to pull it off. It would be in the Isles best interest to keep him in Bridgeport untill he either plays like hes worth his contract or gets fed up with it and leaves for Europe
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bossjones15 says:
I was glad to see DP in net for that last game because it assured us a bottom 4 finish and a nice draft pick. After the horrible season and in particular right after getting destroyed by the flyers you’d think he would lose some of the cockiness. Rick was the better goalie 4 years ago but today Montoya is far superior.
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Madchef says:
If me as a fan who watches every game has no confidence when DiPietro is in net. What makes you think the team has any? This guy is going to be an albatross for this team forever.
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Winning says:
Truth is dipietro is correct, the competion doesnt matter, patrick roy in his prime wouldnt play before dipietro does. Uncle charlie loves dipietro, the whole organization is hired based on friendships rather then people being qualified. Teams dont go decades without winning a playoff round unless winning is not the top priority.
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BIG DOG says:
classic line of day handled it as good as handling a jeff carter wrist shot.
This kid needs to grow up. Yes you put in a lot of work to make it back but perhaps you need to reevaluate yourself ricky. You may be a nice backup for the future
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onesinceforty says:
I was actually thankful he started the last game hoping to nab the prized 4th draft spot and I knew he would give us the best chance. That Montoya guy tries too hard. I can’t explain why it is I don’t like him anymore but in a twisted way I almost root against him. I am not proud of this fact but it is there every time I see Rickety DiDucktape skate onto Smitty’s Hallowed Ground.
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sean says:
Just remember milbury drafted this clown, I believe he passed up heatly for dp. Dp has never showed to be a consistent goalie, and give him the worst contract in all of sports. Retire Dp do the fans a favor and finish your contract in the front office for the team and fans.
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Steve says:
I dint care if Rick is the coolest most down to earth piece of humble pie, or the arrogant jerk many of us have pegged him to be. Billy Smith had a worse attitude than DP but he won.
Rickety is not capable of playing at this level. If this was my call, he starts next season in Bridgeport and tries to make a comeback. If he can’t earn his way onto our roster and into the number one position, than we figure out what to do with him.
Very disappointing. It’s sad it’s come to this.
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DB says:
this story confirms what I’ve heard this season from those that work for the team. Rick is a prima donna, very difficult to work with. I’ve been told the team has no confidence with him in goal. Nuff said, he should be packaged out, locker room poison if you ask me.
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admin says:
I’m curious to see if Rick does some much-needed spin control and gives another interview to “clarify” his position. He should. Have to believe he will…CB
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Ethan K says:
People can say he’s such a competitor, applaud him for trying so hard to want to “help the team”, but in reality, he’s a stubborn, egotistical person who flat out is not an NHL caliber goalie anymore. Just give up, Rick.
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jon from nj says:
At this point, I’m simply tired of saying that as long as this guy is on the team, the Islanders will go nowhere. But, I will repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat and continue to feel this way until his contract is up and I’m collecting my social security by that point.
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David from Sweden says:
Posts that this just stirs people up. Guess this thread pretty soon will have 100 posts bashing DP. Sigh.
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steve says:
this guy is a self centered baby and its all about him all the time. what a selfish little puke i wiould punch him out if i was his teammate. wake up and buy this cancer out the islanders will be better off and can go forward but not with this masswhole. hime and gordon are two peas in a pod. waaaaaaaa waaaaa uncle charles the other goalies are better than me but i’m you adopted son give me the 1 job i will give you a back rub!
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Maybe this indiscreet comment will be the needed impetus for the organization to realize he may be on the way to becoming a clubhouse cancer and that it is time to buy him out. (The better to get to the salary floor next year which might increase to $46 million.)
After three years of injuries, he only played in 25 games this season and in many games he did not appear to be NHL-caliber. If he was unrestricted, would he be tendered an extension? That answer tells the story. -
So What says:
Its a very sad state of affairs for this team, when the very best thing that could happen to it would be to have Rick suffer a career-ending injury. That’s a pretty tough thing to have to say. And truly, hoping for such a thing would be terrible. But facts are facts, and things are what they are. Rick needs to man up, own his share of responsibility for all the problems he has endured and caused, and step aside for the sake of the franchise. Its the only way this team can possibly progress and improve moving forward.
Will anything like that ever happen? Of course not.
Ergo, will the team ever be competitive (as long as Rick is here)? No.
No team, especially this one, can expect to play competitive hockey with substandard goaltending. So while seeing Rick crack it up once and for all might be a “terrible” thing to contemplate, soon, I won’t be able to hope for much else.
Please Rick, I implore you, for your sake and that of Islander fans everywhere, step aside, and free this franchise.
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streit02 says:
i always give Rick the benefit of the doubt, but he did sound like an arrogant D*!k in that interview.
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Pilon for life says:
Poulin was better then DP the moment he laced em up. Next year Poulin should start with Montoya as the backup.
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Spin control? I mean, yes its needed, but I feel we need a lot more from him. With everything he’s gone through – I don’t know what’s left for him to say.
Did anyone else see at the end of the Pens game how he almost tripped over the carpet trying to give his stick to a fan? He makes me nervous all the time. I wonder what the core of our team thinks about him. I can’t seem to detect any kind of bond or comraderie.
Either way I kind of like how this article made me say “ouch!” But at the same time its so disappointing for DP to be this constant team issue. I’ve stopped defending him because his play has been so bad.
Should be an interesting off-season… -
johnnyjet says:
He knows he was by far the worst goalie on the roster. He really cares but must come to grip he does not have the lateral movement he once did. I’ll give him training camp to see what he still has but if its not there…. HE MUST GROW UP and be honest with himself, management, ownership and teammates and retire. Seriously, right now he is not good enough to back up Montoya!
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bob bassen says:
If the Islanders are truly commuted to winning and a functional business model, then Training Camps will absolutely involve everyone earning spots. Performances are open to debate but statistics don’t lie.
I wonder what Scott Gordon thought/thinks about DP…Hmmm?
Now that Gordon’s contract is
up, perhaps he can speak to the greatest hockey blog ever!
Thanks for everything, CB! -
nosebleed says:
This guy really makes me vomit. He is a disgrace of an athlete, and he will be the reason why this folly of an organization will never be able to take that next step. What a joke…
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Yashin for President says:
I dont know about giving up but you dont disrespect your teammates like that. How does anyone in that lockeroom respect or play for him after saying things like that? I wouldn’t.
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will c. says:
You can’t start him in the Ahl because then he must go through re entry waivers and many teams would gamble he is worth 2mil. I think he was referring to the fact we used 6 goalies .
and which 1 would compete . -
vrinqueens says:
I really like DP but he has lost it, he knows it and we all know it… so he plays dumb and until he is no longer on the roster this team will never have a chance to win and unfortunately T. Gillies has to go with him since he is a marked man around the league.
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16 expiring says:
30 is spot on. Billy Smith was not exactly Zuckerman’s charming pig a lot of times nor “easy to play with”, but he stopped pucks (However, in fairness to Smitty, I remember him answering reporters VERY humbly and with some embarrassment, when talking postgame with reporters during the 1984 finals in Edmonton after Game 4).
It’s almost as if this is shaping to be part of Garth Snow’s crucible. The first part is to convince Charles Wang to invest in the team. It looks like he is likely to pass this test (at least I friggin’ hope so!). The second part of the crucible is more challenging because, I believe, the event was the catalyst for Snow’s predecessor being fired and Garth’s hiring:
The Rick DiPietro 15 year deal.
Neil Smith would not do it for Wang, so he was summarily canned. Snow agreed; as almost anyone in his position at the time would have, and thus we are here, as a fanbase, listening to DP (for whom I actually feel sympathy) make an ass out of himself.
How Snowang handles this festering fiasco will have a humongous impact on whether or not this franchise can take the step to being a legit cup-contender.
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Westfall says:
This has always been DP’s biggest problem, both on and off the ice: he does not use his head. His own mentor, Milbury, called him “headstrong”. He’s 29-yrs old now; the cocky teenager act didn’t play well 10 yrs ago and certainly doesn’t now.
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Bruce says:
I think you have to give the benefit of the doubt to Ricky and the said comments or any player on the team. You know the quote “We’re all Islanders”!
That being said, what would be bad is if he is given the start next year because of who he is versus how well he is playing.
We cannot afford to cough up points next season because we are hoping he is game-ready!
People here are saying he is arrogant, perhaps so, but is that much different than the man who drafted him?
There is a different mentality in this organization now, a new direction and a lot of players who were selected more for their character than for their talent in the belief that character builds a better winner than the talent.
Years ago – the decision was made to cut ties with Yashin – a Wang favorite. That proves that Wang will listen – doesn’t it. If Garth or cap express concern of Ricky’s negative affect on the team then hopefully the right decision will be made. Perhaps now that he has a few less years on that enormously long contract and they choose to cut ties – there might be a taker.
Ricky was a talent a few years ago. He has struggled to regain what he was – a very difficult path to say the least. I cannot imagine what he has been through and I think all of us would want to Ricky at his best – even those who have been putting him down.
I hope, for the team, that all keepers are given a fair and equal evaluation process next year. No givens . . .
If Ricky is not the starting keeper because of the outstanding play in camp of one or two other keepers then that is it. Ricky will need to accept it, Wang should accept it and the players will respect it if the starter next year doesn’t have the initials DP!
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Neal says:
Personally I am not ready to give up on DP just yet. You guys are all downers. But how many of you actually have had injuries? If you have you would know that rehab and training are two very different things! (for any baseball fans you can see that in AROD already this season). For the first time in a few seasons, Rick finished healthy. With any luck he can go into this offseason training for next year instead of rehabbing to return. We should all hold off comments to see how he performs in camp. This season was about coming back, he did that, he is healthy. Now lets see if he can take it to the next level next season. If not, I am more than ready to get rid of him and move on. But I think we all owe it to Ricky who has always loved playing for this franchise to support him for at least the beginning of next year. I predict bigger things from him next season. Just wait….
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jamal says:
this guy is an embarassment
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BB says:
Rickey is being Rickey, he knows that Wang would RATHER LOSE with Rickey in net than WIN with anyone else. He spoke the sad truth. I do not expect any spin control, it’s not in his nature and he really does not have too. Fact is at this time, he could not be the starting goal tender at Bridgeport. Assuming Wang did not own that team. Remember as someone in the organization told me point-blank, “IT’S NEVER HIS FAULT, IT’S THE DEFENSEMAN WHO MISSED a assignment,or a Forward did not come back to help. Chris how many ex-coaches if they could would speak up about him. Ask Ted Nolan what’s it like to deal with him.
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Rich says:
“You can’t start him in the Ahl because then he must go through re entry waivers and many teams would gamble he is worth 2mil…”
The best thing for the Islanders would be another NHL taking DP on waivers (don’t hold your breath) and saving them half of his salary for the 10 long years remaining on one of the worst contracts (worse than Yashin…do you see a pattern?) in NHL history.
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John I says:
Even in his best year, 2006-07, DiPietro’s numbers did not stack up to Montoya and Poulin this year. Granted, they only paid 21 and 10 games respectively, but this still tells us something.
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The Haley Hammer says:
stick a fork in him he is done
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Tom D in NJ says:
There are three individuals in the Islander organization who do not relate well to the common folk in Islander country: Wang, Snow and DiPietro. Perhaps they share a common bond of no real accomplishments to date at the NHL level.
(aka:championships) Guess thats what makes them arrogant. Don’t remember that attitude around here when we used to have a culture of winning. It was team and class from top to bottom. Glad I can still remember those days. -
The Rock says:
I think after next season if he has a similar, they have 2 seriously consider buying him out. Cap hit then is 1.5 but for 18 years. Is it worth having a bad goalie at 4.5yr or eating 1.5 and spending the other 3mil on mid to low B level player?
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James from Swindles says:
Also funny how other “bad” contracts like Wade Redden’s and Sheldon Souray’s are being buried in the AHL. Rick might have a lifetime contract, but he should be served notice that if he’s not #1 (or #2, and let’s face it, a lot of fans think he’s #2 right now), he could just as easily find himself learning the inner workings of the Bridgeport Ferry company.
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50, I’m sorry, but you cannot be serious. Alex Rodriguez. Rick DiPietro. These men and their participation in their respective sports are in no way analogous in any shape or form, whatsoever.
They do not belong in the same conversation. They do not belong in the same sentence.
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Dave says:
Wow, impressive to see how many here never made a mistake in their life. Rick had a(nother) tough year and didn’t use the tact and diplomacy he should have to a question or two. Chill. he’s a top flight athlete and what we may have seen is a part of that singular focus. Or maybe it is an assortment of feeling showing through re: his awareness that he isn’t the player he once was. Either way, let’s not crucify the guy. Glass houses, people…glass houses.
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rwisles says:
How can anyone think that he will retire or do whats best for the team? He will be here and we might as well get used to it.All we can hope for is that he goes from one of the worst goalies in 10-11 to comeback player of the year. Yea right. Whom i kidding!
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Al L says:
When you are gifted a 15 year,untradable contract for obscene dollars,a statement such as that is inevitable. Due to Charles’ foolishness,he has given De Pietro a mindset of entitlement. What troubles me and evidently doesn’t Rick,is holding the Oragnization hostage.
I’ll give him this much. He has worked hard attempting to maintain health. That is where it ends however. In every other way,he is the Islanders version of Eddy Curry,only worse. Even the incompetent Isiah Thomas couldn’t match the extent of damage,in time,Curry stayed a Knick,to that of mummified goaltender.
It has reached the point where De Pietro is stealing money. In an ideal world,his assumed embarrassment would trigger a voluntary buyout. In the real world,unfortunately,pride takes a back seat to $$$$ whether earned or not. -
Hoser14 says:
As Bill Parcells always said “You are what your record says you are!”
Ricky DiPietro: you are the 47th ranked out of 47 goalies with 25 games played, ie the worst of the worst. If not for his 15 year contract, he would be released and not handed the no. 1 job.
DP did lead the league in PIMs by a goalie!
I hated the Roberto Luongo trade by Mad Mike Milbury the day it was made and the karma has been downhill since. While Luongo is still a top goalie on the top team, DP is still making the same rookie mistakes,over handling the puck and is often out of position.
At least Alexi Yashin was still a productive player when Wang cut him in a feeble attempt to make Ryan Smyth stay….IT TIME TO CUT BAIT!!! Make DP earn his roster spot.
PS: FREE CHRIS BOTTA!!!!
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HyeDray says:
DiPietro behavior is and has been the equivalent of his entire career — mishandled — which is ironic since that is what he does with any puck that comes near him.
We can absolutely add classless and ignorant to his character qualities.
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RICK says:
I kinda think that the question “who are we talking about is spun a little bit. should he have answered it different? definitely, but i dont see it as a cocky response showing disrespect to the other goalies. I think its already been said that the competition is between Dipi and montoya for the #1 spot, the other will definitely be the backup. Poulin will be spending another year (or less) in BP since he could use another year and has a recurring injury also.
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isles says:
TRUE COLORS.
GET RID OF HIM.
now. -
Zarley Z says:
I’ll start by saying I’m in the camp that believes Rick’s best days are behind him and the team needs an alternative solution. But that said, the dude has a tremendous amount of stress and pressure on his shoulders. His struggle to get back in the game healthy – and if the guy has any pride – the struggle to earn the contract he signed are constantly eating at his psyche. So far he hasn’t satisfied either goal, and if he’s human like the rest (or most) of us, that’s weighing heavily on his mind. I doubt he sleeps much, I don’t think I would.
So I would give the guy a break here, because you know what, given all he has on his mind, I’m not sure if I can blame him for being frustrated by that line of questioning. Could he have come across more humble? Absolutely. Would he have under different circumstances? I don’t know the guy, but I’m not ready to assume he meant to poop on his teammates with his answer. Reading text on a blog only gives so much insight rather than witnessing the exchange in person.
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UIF says:
You knocked this one out of the park. Unless DiPietro really didn’t mean for it to come out like that, that’s not a cool thing for him to say. He’s a veteran now…he should be a mentor for two rookie teammates, not disrespecting them, and especially not when both of them destroyed him on the stat sheet and in plain reality, as anyone being realistic could clearly see.
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Chris Stephenson says:
I find it amusing that there are people DEFENDING this guy.
#’s 11, 18, 50 and 56 – you are entitled to your opinions, but I can’t fathom you really believe the things you post. It’s not about kicking a guy when he’s down, or absolving ourselves of a stupid comment – we have all been there. What is IS about is a continued false bravado, a head in the sand “I won’t quit” nonsense that somehow is mapped to his “talent”.
This guy won’t EVER quit because HE WANTS THE MONEY, and doesn’t possess the class to retire and say “I can’t do this, it’s not right”. How about “I’ll rip up my contract and make it more team friendly because I’ve been paid for three years in a row for doing nothing but sit in a training room”.
I’d regain SOME respect for him if he did that, because THAT is the right thing to do. There are only two people that can end this saga, Rick and Wang; let’s see if either have the GUTS or CLASS to do something about it.
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pete says:
DP was not good when he was healthy. He’s not good now. The guy wanders too much STILL depite giving up one wandering goal a game; he has terrible vision; and now with a few bad hips and knees cant make lateral moves…oh ya and his positioning is terrible (2 short side goals yesterday alone). He and Milbury have set this franchise back 10 years at least. Montoya > Potvin > Dipi..
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sparky le dragon says:
Poster #19, im surprised you brought that up, those “in the know” were curious how he got so big during the lockout year. I know you can’t comment on this Chris, but why a goalie would supposedly take them and ruin his body is beyond me.
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BIGSAVE77 says:
If it weren’t for his contract he would be out of the league. No team would even keep in the minors. I hope this puts a fire under him to come into camp and kick but, but I would be surprised.
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Oye Comeau Va says:
Maybe he forgot their names. You know, after effects and symptoms from Johnson’s hook to the face.
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Mike from Sarasota says:
Is there really anyone surprised by this? Rick is best friends with the owner and completely shielded from reality. There is no other team with playoff aspirations that would start next season with Rick on the NHL roster.
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dedshark says:
will c at 46…you really think teams would gamble on rick in re entry waivers??? There is no chance in HELL a team would even let him attempt to compete…let alone pay him for another TEN years. Even if the guy put up great numbers, i still don’t think a team would pick him up.
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Stephen says:
Incredible. I for one do hopes he makes it back fully and playing the way he did five yrs ago but if he does I hope it is in another uniform. There are just too many potential injury concerns with him.
The only way we are getting rid of him is if we, the Islanders fan base, forces the managements hand.
If he is still in between the pipes by the start of next year, start up the ‘Rick Must Go,’, ‘We Want Monty,’ or some other creative chants. If the faithful is loud enough on a nightly basis with their displeasure that would expedite the buying out process.
I sincerely hope Rick proves us wrong, but he has been so injured and so bad when he played for so long, I think it is a hopeless cause now.
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Jon in Chicago says: I almost don’t care what he says, I care how he plays and he’s arguably the worst goalie in the league right now. And he’s going to lead us to the playoffs…with his injury history?
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Colin M. says:
The people that say he “cares” or he’s “stressed out” because he isn’t able to perform. BOO HOO. The man is a millionaire many, many times over thanks to this organization. I don’t feel bad for him. Regardless of his play, he has absolutely nothing to worry about in the real world, which makes his horrendous play all the more concerning.
DiPietro today proved how much self-entitlement he carries around with him. It was his injuries and his injuries alone that caused the carousel of goaltenders this year. And he doesn’t like it, because his own injuries reminded the fan base of how many better goaltenders there are in the league.
In fact, statistically, just about every goalie who got a puck shot at him at the NHL level this year played better than DiPietro.
I don’t care how much he “cares” or how much he “tries.” This fanbase wants to win. And we can’t win with him. He needs to take his self-entitlement up to Bridgeport, or retire all together.
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Bob says:
This is the same cocky SOB who when asked about his fight with Montoya, said he was kind of proud of it!
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Tony says:
when you open the official web site of the islanders, you see 5 players (presumably the best the Isles have to offer) and the word “commitment” …you don’t see Rick DiPietro.
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bcarroll25 says:
somebody says he wouldn’t pass through waivers? are you kidding? who in the world would take an oft injured, mediocre at best player with the lenght of his contract? i don’t care what the re-entry money hit would be. let’s face facts dipietro has to be on this team for them to reach the cap floor. therefore there will only be a competition next year to back him up.
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Just release him says:
BIGGEST. MISTAKE. EVER.
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mht says:
Rick DiPietro is actually a very smart,or stupid man.He knew the public outcry over his remarks would be loud and universal.He knew that MEN like Michael Haley who fought Brent Johnson to avenge Rick’s knockout,MEN like AMAC,JT,MM,{Moulson and Martin} KO,FN and MG have all lost any respect that they once may have had for him.These remarks are going to accelerate the Team buy out process.As many of the other posters have said,Rick is {And always has been a mediocre talent with a swelled head.These remarks will only increase the competitive juices flowing thru the veins of Al Montoya and Kevin Poulin.Rick can not fit his head in that locker room.And now he will be gone,He will not gracefully retire because he wants all that $.
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Brian G says:
The Rick is Such a self centered piece of s***…this guy never comes across with a good attitude…He should be happy he is even in the league, second be happy he has been given so many chances. This guy never embraces things like that….And it all comes back to the contract he has, b/c this guy who is the WORST GOALIE IN THE NHL feels he is entitled to everything, and has a problem….and so do Snow & Wang.
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reaper81 says:
Huge Isles fan in MI guys, but grew up in Port Washington and have been out of state for 15 yrs now but still a fan and someone that tries to b positive about the team though thick and thin, and mostly thin etc…but at the end of day gotta call a spade a spade and tell it like it is, numbers dont lie and There are 60 positions of Goalie in this league and if ur playing at some point u have to perform and make saves and its obvious DP is not there at this point and may never get it back, love u Ricky but the truth is the truth.
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jonsson3 says:
Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!
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BeeDubbs says:
As if Ricky needed more help to get people to hate him… he’s losing it.
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thepolishprince says:
Whatever. Al M was solid. I’m glad they gave him another year. I hope to God Kevin Poulin’s knee heals 100% and he is ready to make Rickety ride the pine next year. Honestly, DP will blow out one or a combination of knee or hip within three starts next fall and we can enjoy a tandem of Montoya and Poulin.
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Dan says:
Get him off this team some way, some how. It isn’t even an option anymore. He will single-handedly prevent this team from winning a Stanley Cup.
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Joe says:
What is more troubling to me is his sense of entitlement! Makes me think he will not work hard over the summer to get himself back on top of his game, he needs to know everyone on every team is replaceable. That goes for any business as well! Something you would think a pro athelete would have figured out by now. He also did make himself and the isle organization look bad challenging Johnson. His teammates responded on his behalf when we played the Pens, so the lack of disrespect for his teammates is disturbing.
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Ski says:
Absolutely! 75 is right on. No need to get worked up DP won’t make it through September without a major injury.
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56, this has nothing to do with piety. Fans have a right to be upset at this situation with DiPietro. He was signed to an ridiculous, outragous contract, which he never even came close to meriting (even when healthy), and has since suffered muliple injuries INCLUDING MULTIPLE CONCUSSIONS!!!! It’s not that DiPietro should retire just because he’s hurting the team, he should retire before he turns into John Mackey (incidentally a fellow Long Islander), God forbid.
As far as being a “top-flight athlete”, that’s a rather moot point since all professional are top flight athletes. DiPietro, after a terrible amount of physical and mental injury is the worst among his specialized group of top flight athletes, I’m sorry to say.
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StevieL says:
Sad! CB after listening to your tremendous interviews with the old Isles like Nystrom and Gillies who praised their teammates given any opportunity, we are reminded of where DP’s priorities lie! I really hope he was misquoted or didn’t understand the line of questioning! But he doesn’t get any benefit of the doubt because it sounds like something DP would say.
The truth is he is irrelevant when it comes to the future of this team. He is in no way the future #1 on this team! and he know’s it! If not for the ridiculous contract he would not be in the NHL.
I also will not forget Fri. night after the OT with the Pens and before the shootout, Montoya skates over to the bench, to get some instructions from DP? pep talk? Sorry Al! He is met by a “yawning” DP! It’s all about DP in DP’s world! -
nyislanders93 says:
I’ve been a big defender of DiPietro since all of his injuries hit him. I do feel that a lot of fans forget that Rick was an All Star goalie before all of the surgeries. A lot of people also hate on him and blame him for the injuries which is a little absurd. Rick is a hard worker and you can tell he wants to win more than anything. When he makes statements like this, it makes it hard to ever defend him again. He should never be disrespecting his teammates for outperforming him. Rick needs to get it through his head that throughout this season he was quite possibly the worst goalie on the team. He can’t perform like this if the team wants to make a step forward toward the playoffs. I hope he changes his attitude and everything works out for the best, but it doesn’t look good for him and he certainly doesn’t help his own cause with his interviews.
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Isles81 says:
The Isles ended the season on a very down note losing the last 7 of 8. DP’s commnets do not make me feel optimistic at all. Looks like next year will look a lot like the past 3.
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SG says:
Chris, I could be alone on this but I do think that people are making this a bigger deal than it really is. Lets be honest, a majority of Islander fans will do anything to jump on Dipietro.
All we can do as fans is hope he shook the rust off and will be ready to play come October because this franchise will either sink or swim with Dipietro.
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Isles Revamped says:
Whether or not his comments came from frustration or not this team seemed deflated everytime he was in net. He needs to take a back seat until such time as he can lead again. Until he and the team realizes this point the team will struggle.
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Ari (Not Haanpaa) says:
DiPietro’s play and contract, the bunker mentality of the Wang and Snow regime, and the lack of movement on the new building really temper my enthusiasm over the future of this team. That’s a shame because there are some real positives with this young squad. I just don’t have much faith that it will be built upon during the offseason. I hope I’m wrong, but we’ll see soon enough. Even though time flies by, it’s time for yet another long 6 month offseason. Make it a productive one for a change.
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islesrock73 says:
The Islanders are stuck with DP for a long, long, time with Wang as owner. CB, if a new owner were to buy the Isles, what would be your advise on how to handle the horrific DP contract? Buy out, Bridgeport, play him?
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Chris says:
The problem with DP is that the franchise treats him as if he has already brought us to the promised land and it seems that he demands that level of respect from the fan base. Truth is, he has a very small amount of success as a professional and we all know about his health.
He is not the aging warrior trying to hang on. He is not the former star who will naturally return to form. He is, after all, an enigma. To demand any level of respect he has not earned is foolish.
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Adam says:
Lets face it Isles fans, he will be on the roster at the start of the next training camp. Wang and Snow have to come to realization that he is never going to become what they thought he would be. Lets take for instance Alexander Daigle. A huge bust foe Ottawa and he was gone in 4 years. Problem is that the Isles gave him a 15 year contract that they would just hate to eat, and in their defense they had no idea that he would have injury after injury. Most players that have an enormous amount of injuries that affect their game usually retire. Problem with that is D.P. doesn’t consider himself the usual player. I love me some NY Islanders hockey, but management needs to realize that if one player is holding a team back, then that player needs to either be released or the player needs to retire. The core group of Isles that we now have are the future for this franchise, and if Wang ever wants to see a new arena built, he needs to put the best product on the ice as possible to win. It is obvious this season that D.P. no longer has the skills to be a top Goaltender. Next season Montoya needs to be the number 1, with D.P. as a number 2. Unless D.P. has a horrible camp, you can expect him to be on the roster next year. If was any kind of man, he would make sure he is prepared for the season. And for the love of God D.P., pay attention on the faceoffs. That one goal off of the faceoff just about sums up his career right now. LETS GO ISLANDERS in the 2011-12 season. I want a 5-6 seed and a first round playoff win!! Thanks Chris for the great insight you give us on our Islanders and I hope u get your credentials back!! You deserve it!!!
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Allison says:
OK-how about another perspective? Believe me, I am on the DP has to go bandwagon, especially after seeing how well Montoya has played and how great Poulin (and even Koskinen) looked in their NHL stints. But, let’s not forget that because he hasn’t been able to stay healthy for any great length of time, he can’t really get back into playing form with any momentum. Realistically, should he have volunteered to go to Bridgeport? Certainly Isles management should have sent him there, but they didn’t.
Next year will be telling.If he can play a string of games without getting hurt again (knee, hip, another ridiculously stupid fight!) then maybe he can start to regain some of his previous form. If he can’t stay healthy yet again then I would think (hope) that at some point decisions about his future will have to be made, especially since Poulin and Koskinen will have another year of AHL seasoning (and let’s not forget that Poulin is in the rehab process now too). All that being said, I totally agree that he is arrogant and has been since he got here. By this point (especially since he’s barely played in 3 years, and when he has he has been more like and ECHL goalie)he should have learned some humility. I guess it’s not in his makeup, which is a shame for him.
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Jim Clark says:
I suppose that of all positions in sports, hockey goaltenders have the most abrasive personalities. Jacques Plante was probably the greatest ever but eventually his coach Toe Blake told management to get rid of him or else I leave. Hasek had conflicts in Buffalo. Patrick Roy told Montreal to trade him or else. If DiPietro can back to being an all-star- a huge huge if- this outburst will be forgotten. But if the Islanders are to win, they have to go with who is playing better, not who has the big contract. This will be a big story for 2011-12.
Go Capitals!
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MaryM90 says:
what a dick
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"WeWantTen" says:
Any news on Katies credentials being pulled for her honest question?
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Pilonfan says:
I am a little embarressed that I root for a NHL team that is run like a small town Police force, full of nepotism, curroption, lack of effectiveness. If Tavares signs with a new team a year from now, and asks the Isles not to match because he’s fed up with last place, I will be happy for taveres.
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#82….this is a big deal, who does DP think he is….he was an OK goalie before the injuries but talks himself up to sound like he has won multiple cups, he has a bigger ego than any player in almost every sport in the local area. He should listen to what Wang said to a fan a few years back and “sit down and shut up”
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Bill W. says:
it’s always been all about Rick. He could care less about the team, it’s all about him. Is anyone really surprised about this?No matter how poorly he plays he thinks that he is the #1 guy. Wang & Snow are going to have to man up on this one and tell Rick its over. He’s a back up at best. If he is the #1 goalie in 2011-2012 its going to be another lost season.
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DonK says:
Rumors (more than one place, and from people who Chris would know) have said DP approached Wang about being bought out and was turned down.
DP gets kudos for working incredibly hard to get himself as far as he’s gotten. But check the numbers — among NHL goaltenders, he was THE WORST of any netminder who played 20 or more games. He is not physically capable of being a starting NHL goaltender, and it’s hard to see that changing, no matter how hard he works.
If you watch the team when he plays, as opposed to when Montoya plays, you can see there’s no confidence in him.
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Also I have to ad, the fan that said the Isles would lose Dipietro to re’entry waivers as a team would want him at 2 million, is COMPLETELY WRONG. Minor league goalies, when put in the NHL put up save% over 900….and play for 700k. What team is foolish enough to pay a guy 2 million for a save % under%900.?
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Tim says:
karma’s a bitch DP… great season!
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even though he is the worst goalie in the nhl by far and at best a very poor ahl goalie, i always respected him for how much i thought he wanted to win and i thought he cared and respected his team and the fans. this just shows you he is part of the isles three stooges team of 3 blind mice made up of wang, snow and d.p. three arragant people who dont care about winning or the team or the fans. they only care about themselves. this is why i said yesterday even before this came out that with wang and snow running the show and with d.p. in net, the isles will never compete let alone win with the other teams in the nhl.
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James says:
Maybe we’ll all get lucky, Ricky will get hurt early on as always… turn to steroids and then pull a Manny Ramirez!!!!
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Brett says:
Just heard the entirety of his interview with reporters. After Strang said she assumed it would be a three-goalie competition Ricky said something along the lines of “you can assume whatever you want” but at the end of the day it’s his job.
This guy is delusional. Ricky, look at the numbers, they don’t lie. Teams cannot win consistently when they need to score 4 goals every game
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FYI Eric Hornick posted the audio clip of DP claiming that he is a 1 on twitter.
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After actually hearing the interview and the proper context, he really does make it sound as if him being the starter is a forgone conclusion, and comes off genuinely perplexed when Strang suggests that Montoya and Poulin will be in competition with him. Wow. Delusional indeed. So much for giving him the benefit of the doubt..
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BringBackNyles says:
This locker room cancer should look at the team record when he stays away
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Frank says:
I guess DP getting his face broken didn’t wake him up! His ego is way too high for a goalie that has looked horrible. I have seen first hand him giving fans an attitude about signing autographs. He keeps on playing like he has and the fans will walk right past him to get any other players autograph. Best hope – Insurance proceeds when he is done for good
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does anyone else want to have a DP Buyout protest in front of garth snow’s summer home?
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I don’t care for what he said but there are a few months to figure it out. Maybe he’ll be the starter next year but you can’t think any coach will go with a goalie that wont give him the best chance to win. If he was sincere with this then maybe it motivates Montoya to have a good summer training.
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eric says:
Great article, CB. Bravo. Rick’s true colors finally show. What’s worse than a delusional, arrogant goalie who cares only about himself and not the team? A delusional, arrogant goalie with the worst GAA and SV% in the league. I’m a former season ticket holder, and I refuse to spend another penny on this team as long as this clown is still around. This man is an absolute cancer to the team. We are such a joke. Thanks for “saving” us, Charles. I’d rather the team just leave LI and save me from this misery and frustration.
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doc says:
I listened to the interview in it’s entirety. I have to say DiPietro’s remarks about “who are we talking about” seems pretty legitimate in the context of the question when asked “how do you feel about being one of 3 goalies competing for playing time next year?” When told it was Poulin, Montoya and himself… he answered appropriately. “I prepare like I always do… with the mindset that I need to win a job, nobody is handing me a job…”
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Sumo Goalie says:
Party on Wang! Party on Garth!
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WM says:
I’m so looking forward to next season but my excitement would be off the charts if DP were bought out.
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johnnhp says:
DP s*cks !!! what a jerk
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if rick started in the ahl..what makes anyone think that he the islanders would even bother bringing him up? heck wang/garth had any balls, they let him rot in bp..in the press box..
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matt says:
DP will hurt himself and require surgery, we should boo him every chance we get. DP SUCKS!..at least the ranger fans know he sucks.
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Eric N. says:
Does anyone who has actually heard the audio really think this is even an issue? I just listened to it and it really seems from the four plus minute clip I heard that there is absolutely no story here.
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admin says:
I’ll go with Katie Strang’s portrayal of the conversation (she was there) over a team-released audio clip. In her most recent story, Katie writes the following:
DiPietro bristled when confronted with questions about his place on the goaltending depth chart, but both Montoya and Poulin are expected to push him for the starting spot next year.
Katie is always fair to the team in her coverage…CB
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LIT says:
This is NO surprise to me! Having worked closely with an NHL reporter back in 2002-2005 and spending many morning skates and practices in Long Island, I noticed first hand the arrogance of Mr. Dipietro. This is not news, this is who he is and will always be.
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NY 711ot says:
Anyone else notice the yawn he greeted montoya with as Al prepared for the shootout against pitt.
Montoya is clearly the better player and with new cap rules and a new cba a year away dp is clinging to the fantasy.
For me, a comment like that confirms to me that as poor as his play has been our greatest motivatotion to dump him should be simply to get him out of the lockerroom.
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Having listened to the audio I think CB is spot on here. And as bad as Rick came across in the quotes, it was actually worse listening to him. Really sad.
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Cb if the comments were truly that innocent prepare for a sh+tstorm tomorrow.
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Michael R. says:
I may be one of the few here who think this, but the audio clip itself doesn’t seem to sound all that bad. Obviously, Katie and others in the media were there to see his face and see how he handled the question, so there’s definitely some concern there.
It’s really tough – as a fan of this team for a long time, I really thought back in the mid-2000s, the team was much better with him on the ice. Now, I just can’t see it that way anymore. You obviously want your “star” players to have supreme confidence, and goalies probably should border on arrogance…but he obviously shouldn’t have so much arrogance that it seems to insult your teammates after having the last 3 seasons under his belt.
I do, honestly, think that if he can get back to winning 30+ games and posting 5 SOs, all can be forgiven. Now, I think the biggest question is how does the team react to him on the ice once training camp starts.
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Bryan says:
Did we forget we are talking about Rick DiPietro? Poulin was better, Montoya was way better, Roloson was better, Koskinen was just as good but their contracts combined arent that of DP. He is the cancer of this team whether he means to be or not.
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I’m confused how anyone could listen to that interview and not hear the disgust and hostility in DP’s voice when Poulin and Montoya were brought up.
Katie was right on in her assessment (not to mention there could have been some visual cues that he wasn’t pleased), and CB was right to post about it. The rampant self-entitlement of our goaltender IS a story.
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mark p says:
I have been an Islander/DP apologist for years. This year has made it painfully obvious that the team is better when he is NOT in our net (and I am talking about when he is wandering around the ice)
Isles have a real chance for the playoffs next year if Montoya and Poulin are the goalies. -
I listened to the clip and Katie is dead-on in how she reported it…it’s like he doesn’t even know there are other goalies on the team, “who are we talking about” Well Rick, how about anyone else who played goal for the team last year!!! Wow what a mistake Wang made signing this smug arrogant bum.
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Mike P. says:
IMO the fact we do have goalies here(Montoya, Poulin, Koskinen and Nilsson) to finally push Rick is a good thing. The best man wins the job or hopefully that is the way it works. There has been some talk Garth is not the biggest believer in Rick(why should he be really) team made playoffs 1st year behind Dubi and since then Rick has been hurt.
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DZLINY says:
The problem with all the pro-DP commenters is that they are making it about DP not the team. We all may admire his commitment and grit. But if you are an Isles fan, the goalie decision should be about what’s best for the team. Even if a DP comeback is plausible at this stage, the team cannot risk sacrificing 2011-12 to the “DP Project.”
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Mo says:
i just hope the islanders dont buy him out, cause he’ll be on our salary cap for the next 20 years. it could hurt us down the line if we ever get a new owner who’s willing to spend or a new buiding which will let us spend to the salary cap ceiling. Sent him to the minors and pay him, see if his ego can take it, if not he can retire with his full contract, cause from what I’ve heard (2nd Hand)is his knee injury is degenerative
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Some guy says:
It’s also possible he thought maybe they were throwing Nabokov into the mix and he wanted clarification. I think all NHL training camps have at least 3-4 goalies. Doesn’t make him a prima dona…..
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Hud says:
Always have rooted for Rick, hope he proves all of us wrong but he has not been good for a while, we will see.
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healy 35 says:
If the Isles are better next year and it looks like they are on the right track, how many games will the Isles sacrifice by playing Dipietro? Clearly he is the worst goalie who is only there because of the worst nhl contract in it’s history. Ths Islanders can’t owe up to him and give him plenty of games to start. It is not like the Isles are going to cruise into the playoffs. 8 seed if they are lucky. No wonder they can’t sign free agents.
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Took a listen, what he said isn’t a story, cause he knows he is the adopted son of the teams owner. If my dad was rich and bought the team, My dad would let me be the goalie also even if I was the worst goalie in hockey.
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Dadi says:
I have watched a lot of SEL games: yes, I know, they are young, but -both Poulin & Nilsson are, already now, better goalies than Rick and Montoya…
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fph says:
DP=Doesn’t Play
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Bryan says:
The players need to have a silent ballot vote to determine which goalie they have the most confidence in. I would be confident that it wouldn’t be DP. These comments are very bad for DP, he has just put a huge target on his back. I don’t know him personally, he could be a great guy, but his performance over his entire career does not warrant him being the #1. He never makes the big stop, he never holds a lead for more than afew minutes, he leaves the crease too much and he flops on the ice basically anytime the puck comes near him. All of that, on top of all of the injuries, make him a liability. Just because he was drafted #1, it doesn’t justify him being the starter.
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Joe says:
That’s his problem. His attitude stinks. When he plays he brings the whole team down cause they know he will give up 4 or 5 goals. He did a real great job against the Flyers, LMAO!!!! I hope Montoya and Poulin come back next year and show what real goaltending is all about. At least when they played we won and at least were in the games.
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Jzimm says:
I’m speechless. But I shouldn’t be. I’ve known this guy to be a narcissist for so many years, but just how does he continue to outdo himself? I’m becoming more convinced that he just lives in a parallel universe. Wow, he blows my mind!
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i just had to add one additional comment. look at the bright side. since he will be the number 1 goalie on this team regardless that he isnt even good enough to play high school hockey dosent matter. thanks to arragant and dysfunctional wang and snow, this nonsence will continue for at least another 10 or 11 years more. we only have to suffer seeing him play til 2015. can you imagiene the poor fans who have to watch this arragant poor excuse for a goalie play til 2025 in who knows where?
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Eric C. says:
I used to be a regular at Iceworks a few years back and Rick is a jerk. The guy has a Hummer that instead of saying H2 on the back he had it custom to H39. Sorry Rick your skills have diminished and you cannot help this time in any sort of capacity. Future is bright for this team and DP will not be a part of it.
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gdmike says:
DP knows the competition is there, he is not stupid. He must believe that he is still the man in net or he is giving up on himself. Any athlete knows that you can’t lose confidence in yourself and he has fought too long and hard to give up. Give the guy some credit. I have always admired a fighter and wish nothing but the best for Rick. If he is our goalie I will support it and believe in him.
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IslesfanfromFlorida says:
Whats wrong with having a Hummer that says H39? I think SHAQ has the SUPERMAN logo on every car and truck he owns ( yes i am aware he has like 4 championship rings but he is beeeeeeyond arrogant)?? Atleast he is proud to show his # on the Islanders!!
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Staten Islander says:
THATS IT! I’m burning my DiPietro jersey, oh WAIT, I wasn’t stupid enough to buy one.
And to think, I was sympathetic towards him. Montoya should be the starter next year, DP the backup. They should sign someone to a 2 way contract to bring up from the Bridge when he inevitably gets hurt, and they should leave Poulin and Koskinin in the AHL to develop properly…..or they should sign Nabokov (sarcasm off)
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Is DP the Islanders’ version of Oliver Perez?
It’s one thing for this guy to “always” be hurt or somehow fail to “grow up,” but with these comments — and the tone in which they were made — DP has deserved the virtually negative response from Islanders Country. Reading each of the 155 prior posts, I can’t count more than five which aren’t full of anger. If this is representative of our fan base, this guy has become the Islanders’ Luis Castillo. He has to go. Now.
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Steve C says:
Honestly, the Isles are better off without DP.
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Joe says:
Maybe he does come off arrogant, but give him a break. he probably is aware of his poor play and is frustrated with a lot of things. he cant catch a break in any aspect of his life, the day he came off injured reserve his dog died from getting hit by a car. he probably sounded arrogant because he is fed up with a lot of things. i agree his play has not been of a NHL caliber goalie, but just lay off him a little.
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This notion that DiPietro was “Once an All-Star”, both cracks me up and fills me with rage. He wa a default All-Star because some goalies in the eastern conference were injured or didn’t want to be involved with the All Star game. To me, DiPietro was about average at best!
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Darren ingersoll says:
Thanks CB. Both boys (9&12) have already asked if he will start, as the other two have played much better. That he cannot acknowledge his teamamates and the professional courtesy they deserve is very disappointing given all his struggles and lacklustre play.
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Bjorn Holland says:
Come on CB. I just listened to the audio fragment. DP sincerely asks which 3 goalies she is referring to. When she tells him Montoya, Poulin and DP himself he answers yes it’s gonna be a competition. What’s wrong with that? Why make such a big deal out of this?
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danny says: No worries. We all know he will be here next year and stink up the place, Wang and Snow will realize that keeping him they will lose more money because we as fans will be done by then. They Will have no choice but to rid the Isles of this poop stain. He almost like that dog crap you get on your shoe. No matter how hard you try you can’t seem to get rid of it.
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Peter says:
How could some Islander fans still be defending this guy? He is a curse on the organization, and if Snow and Wang are really serious about becoming a “perennial contender,” this bum has to go.
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Isles in VA says:
Couple of thoughts…
1 – IF Ricky was playing like he used to this contract would not be outrageous. It would be a fair hit against the cap for an All-Star goalie. Unfortunately he is not, so in retrospect it is a bad deal.
2 – The real issue is what do the Isles do with this contract? Do they bury him in B’port, eat his salary and free up space (a la Redden)? What do they do?I think that discussion is much more productive than the bashing (and yes – i want to bash him as well!).
3 – I already miss the Isles. To all Isles players – Thanks for giving me hope. October can’t come fast enough.
4 – CB. Thanks soooo much for IPB. It is the first site every AM for me. I would be miserable without it.
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Don Maloney says:
That’s the problem with DP. He’s all about DP. Tough to play infront of a guy like that. Team? What team? Look at me. Watch me handle the puck. I’m pretty good right? Those other goalies wish they were as good as me. We had a goalie on our mens league team that was like him. The only way to get back at him was to rip slap shots up at his head in warmups. Think some of the Isles feel like doing that when DP is in net? I bet there’s more than a handful who do.
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His hummer should say H3.99 for his GAA.
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Tony from NB says:
He is the anchor of our playoff ship.
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Isles66 says:
Chris- congrats on another GREAT year of coverage !!!! Already looking forward to next year. Thanks to the core members of the Islanders that played their hearts out even after the big slide earlier in the year. They could have easily folded but chose to play competitive, fun to watch hockey. Lastly, way to go Katie giving us an honest version of DP’s reaction to possible competition in net next year.
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Claude says:
Has the right to be arrogant if he can back it up. I hope he does comeback as a superior goalie I also wish find the hope diamond in my mail box any day now. Dollars to doughnuts guy implodes after first twenty
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jeff says:
Perhaps his remarks will light a few fires. No wonder the islanders seem get no respect from teams, officials and the league. The one guy who get the brunt of the league’s chuckles disrespects the talent on his own team and loathes in entitlement. Ive said it before… we cant stop being the joke of the party until DP is cut loose. CB thanks for giving us our tartar sauce…..at least the comments are in line with topic today
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What’s the age that a player needs to be where a team can hide his salary in the minors without having a cap hit? Is it 30? Rick is 29.. Not that Wang would ever do that to his sweet heart..
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Chas from Farmingdale says:
Ricky is obviously frustrated and angry, he looked ok in the outing before this one but Isles wont seriously contend if Ricky doesnt get to 100% health(whatever that may be for him). ricky needs to work hard, we need to hear reports of how ahard is working and we need to see results early. Is it impossible for him to stop floppin, flailing and mishandling? It seems the coach is afraid to put any plan in plcae to reign ricky in..
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Perhaps H39 was for the total amount of games he has played over the past three seasons? Maybe he should chang it to H88, in honor of his save %.
This guy is disgusting. He will forever weigh this team down. Dumb and dumber will never dump him.
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greg h says:
That is just really too bad. He really seemed to be a team oriented guy and one who should at least acknowledge the work and effort of Montoya and Poulin. They both have better numbers and are much younger. A comment like that is just a slap in the face for these guys.
Good to hear Montoya going to the Worlds, is Ricky going as backup?
As always he will be afforded every opportunity because of his contract, but I think Montoya and Poulin will battle it out. Send Ricky to BPT at the beginning of the year to play with the big finn for 20 games until he can prove he can win, lower his GAA and up his SV%.
I never bashed the guy, but clearly he needs to play games to see if he can improve and the place to do that is BPT not on the Island, while handing us 4 goals to come back from. Its no longer our goalie bailing us out, its our forwards. Should not be that way. -
dan says:
HE HAS TO GO!!!
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A Real hockey fan says:
.. I have defended Deiptero on this forum many times, but that was a absolutely DUMB, CLUELESS and CLASSLESS thing to say
.. Whats with this sense of ‘entitlement’ that is seemingly coming from Rick? He better get his head out of his azz and get it done SOON
.. Whats the “deal’ going foward with this contract? SRSLY? what are the options that the team and organization have going foward? (im not talking the ‘mancrush’ that Wang seems to have) — im being 110% serious, what can the organization do going foward if he underperforms?………… What happens when he hits 30? can they not eat all of his contract? what counts to the cap? anyone have answers? CB whats the options going foward?
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Peter says:
He’s not an NHL caliber goalie at this point. Classless comment on his part. I look forward to the day when he is no longer a part of this organization.
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admin says:
I listened to the interview. Katie Strang’s depiction of it was completely fair. It got tense enough that someone (sounded like s staffer) felt compelled to change the subject by asking, “Do you have any fun trips planned”? Rick took a few fair, easy questions that had easy answers, and instead made himself look bad…CB
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If oliver perez had facebooked jeff wilpon and went to american idol concerts with him, oliver perez would still be the mets starting pitcher. Dipietro is smart if nothing else, cozy up to a impreshionable owner who is searching for “friends” 25 yeats younger then himself.
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JION says:
I am just so sick of this guy.
Garth, If you want ot move the frnachise foward you must cut RDP. Bite the bullet.Now not only does he stink as a goaltender he is also a jerk off.
GOOD BYE DP.
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Stumpy32 says:
All of this is window dressing. The fact is that DP will start the season in a 50-50 split with Montoya, and quickly get hurt again. Then it’ll be the way we want it to be – Montoya 60%, Poulin 40%.
If the guy actually played all the time, and sucked for 82 games, then we’d have a problem. I can deal with DP being an entitled malcontent if he’s doing it from the luxury box, just not on the bench.
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I would never buy season tickets as long as this guys is the slated #1.
It’d show the fans a lot if they put someone else in there on opening night barring a great minicamp and preseason. -
look what has happened to this guy. It’s amazing. His cockiness has come back to haunt him big time here. Imagine he played in a market like Montreal, Boston, or Detroit? He’d be crucified! He is SO lucky the Isles are buried in NY news, and that he plays for a team with 1 beat reporter, that you have to pay for a subscription to read on the internet!!!!! otherwise this story would be so much bigger!
Thanks CB for bringing this to light! keep on going~ -
#162…I have to completely agree…bringing up he was once an “allstar.” gimme a break with this allstar crap. The only reason he was there was because every team has to be represented. The only reason rick even made it was because our team was atrocious and that was the best we could possibly even offer.
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JT says:
CB, I completely agree. I’m pulling for DP to return to form, but he is far from it. He should be supporting his teammates (and competition), rather than belittling them. Montoya, Poulin, and even Koskinen were better than Ricky this year. DP, Let’s should some repect to your young teammates and use this as motivation to prepare mentally and phsically during the offseason.
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D. Meng says:
Montoya and Poulin should not even have to “push” DP. Both are better goaltenders – by far.
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Nyisles81 says:
He is a complete and utter joke and embarrassment. This just shows his ego and where his heart is. I just hope maybe this makes Wang a bit upset on how he handles something like a simple interview, and makes him think twice about his boy. If he does stop playing early, he needs to go home, dont even give him a position on management/coaching staff. Can you imagine him giving Poulin pointers?
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Ct 1970s says:
Fans are finally optimistic about next season and this arrogant ass says this!
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I have to respectfully disagree that Rick’s answer warrants this being a story. I’m not arguing that Rick may not have liked the question. But when it is necessary to “read between the lines” and speculate as to what Rick was thinking or meant, and no affirmative statement was made, I just don’t think it is a story. Too much left open to interpretation of the listener. Katie’s opinion is valid as is Chris’ and everyone else’s on this blog. But it is all just that, an opinion, as to what Rick was thinking.
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DWC says:
Looks like Katie Strang wants a new assignment. Actually, I thought she was being nice “assuming” DP should be in the list of 3.
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Im pretty sure the year he was a ALl Star was the same year BLake was there aswell. They both were having great seasons
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Poulin will be giving DPuke pointers.
This is how you should angle yourself – Remember Rick, the puck can rebound off your pads, be alert – Don’t flop – Side to side – Don’t challenge anybody to a fight – Stay within the crease, nothing but bad things happen when your stray – and the final pointer – just stay away from us.
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ANDRE says:
Why does it matter what Dipietro thinks? People should be more upset they root for a team that is run by a owner that gives jobs out no matter how bad that player (dipietro) or GM (milbury/snow) is, based on friendships. If Friendships is the only qualification the player has going for him, whos fault is that? The players? or the owners?
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Steve says:
I’ve been defending Rick all year, but this is just confusing. He seems to be tone deaf to where he is in his career and to his fan base. While I’m still not willing to blame him for all that ails the organization, it’s becoming increasingly clearer he is the wrong fit for the Islanders if they want to turn the page from the losing culture that has pervaded the organization in the last 10-15 years.
Regardless, eventually he will need to perform – and perform better than he did this year. If he fails, the door is wide open for Montoya and whoever else pushes him.
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okay just finished listening to the tape. And he actually didn’t sound that bad..I’m kind of changing my tune on this a bit..Yeah, one could look at his comment as stupid..But didn’t he just answer a question prior to before strang? I’m not a rick supporter one bit, but I am now thinking after listening to the tape, that he didn’t really mean to make it as bad as some of us want it to be. Just my take.
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john says:
DP was never a number one goalie. He never will be.
Going to the coliseum and hearing fans cheer his name, and seeing him get starts, is like a Twilight Zone episode.
Why has it taken so long for people to see through the fact that he was drafted high, given a huge contract, for no worthwhile reason. Being drafted high, doesn’t make you a number one goalie in this league.
Except when you are drafted by the Islanders.
Stop wasting our time Garth.
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And also, #187 (Dedshark) I want to dump on that some more, because during that “All-Star” year, we were in serious competition for Steven Stamkos (Not the playoffs) until…. Yup, DiPietro got hurt in that game. The guy was NEVER good, and as far as the ’06 Olympics go, Ryan Miller should have been U.S.A.’s goalie, and many knew it!
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Let me correct myself, DiPietro got hurt in the Skill Competition.
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Dave says:
simple fact is, he’s the worst goalie in our system who could in theory play in the NHL next year. montoya is better, poulin is better – and i’m not even sure he’s better than koskinen these days. but he’s very clearly the worst out of AM and KP.
if the team REALLY cares about winning, which should always be the bottom line, they can’t play him over one of those two. not until he proves he deserves it.
it’s that simple.
Hilarious – He is the worst out of the 3. I really hope he retires we all know he sucks now.