Officially, Islanders coach Ted Nolan says naming his starting goaltender for Game 2 against Buffalo will be a game-time decision tonight. But after looking sharp in the pregame skate, Rick DiPietro said he’s as ready as he’ll ever be following a 20-day layoff since his last concussion.
Describing the conversation he anticipated having with Nolan this afternoon before the game, DiPietro said, “I think we’ll sit down and have a talk and see where he stands and where I stand and come to a decision. I’ll tell him how I feel. He’ll ask me if I can play, and I’ll say, ‘Yeah, I feel like I’m good to go.’ And then, he’ll make the decision.”
Following his first concussion March 13 in Montreal, DiPietro sat out only one week before returning. This time, he took nearly three weeks to recover, consult with a couple of neurologists and take the necessary tests to receive medical clearance. He has been symptom-free for more than a week, experiencing no headaches or nausea.
“I feel like we’ve gone through all the proper steps,” DiPietro said, “so, I feel comfortable I’m 100 percent…I don’t have a crystal ball. I can’t sit here and tell you how things will go if I play, if they’ll go good or bad. But at the end of the day, I feel like I’m a big part of this team, and I want to do anything I can to help win and contribute.
“There’s pressure any time you play in the playoffs and with my situation. But if I didn’t feel comfortable going in there and if I felt like I was going to be detrimental to the team’s success, I wouldn’t go in.”
DiPietro acknowledged the likelihood he will be rusty at the outset, and he might have to battle through fatigue. But his plan is to keep it simple, make smart plays, not get caught out of position and not waste too much energy overhandling the puck.
Since rejoining the team in practice, his enthusiasm is the obvious sign that he’s raring to go. Asked if he feels a bit like a caged animal, DiPietro said: “You could say that. I’ve been taking it out on my arcade game at home. I have every high score now for the last three weeks. Anything I could do on the off time to compete and get that adrenaline flowing, but it’s tough to find things to do that compare to this. Even at practice, you feel rejuvenated and full of life.”
Maybe his presence will have the same effect on an Islanders squad that needs a big game tonight on Buffalo ice to return home with a split.
Comments (14)
"But his plan is to keep it simple, make smart plays, not get caught out of position and not waste too much energy overhandling the puck."
Finally!
Can we really hope to win by playing Hill and Witt too much??? They look so tired after two periods every game. Using DP is a roll of the dice with more down side than up. Is he really going to win us this series if we can't score more goals? Are we hiding Blake on a line where he'll likely never score so his FA value declines?
Good to see Rick ready to help his team, but I have to say... Dubie did us well. I agree with the Maven when he says Dubie more than earned the back up position for next season. He far exceded my expectations. Regardless of the task at hand, I wish Dubie the best training camp next season and a perm role on this team. Dunham can apply for a job in the office with Mr. Snow... I hear he makes a mean cup of coffee and can type 30 words a min :)
Is the OFFENSE "good to go"? Can the Isles score on the PP if/when given the opportunity? Can they NOT commit too many penalties? You can have Rick and Wade in net...if you dont score and take control, its fruitless. You have to play to WIN.
Is it just me or is the NEVER anyone in position on the left wing when the pucks on the right wing and vice versa in the offensive zone... seems like someone on the forward line is always out of position...
Though I am not going to commit blogger suicide and post what players I feel should be on what line, I think theres definately room for improvement...
GUYS
I'd love to chat about hockey but I need to ask about something first...
I can't use a ticket for Monday's game, Section 322 Row N. If anyone wants to go, please email me at monty404@optonline.net - the ticket is $85 (just what I paid for it). Let me know if anyone's interested
-Nick
"I’ve been taking it out on my arcade game at home. I have every high score now for the last three weeks."
That's all I need to hear...he's ready for sure now!
Why Not Us?
Let's Go Islanders
Boy the kiddie Sabre fans are really pathetic, they talk like their team won four cups already and outscored us 20-9 in the first game.
One goal post by Satan and one goal by Smyth and it's the Isles are in it to the end. Buffalo hardly dominated, witout Witt putting a puck in the stands it's tied going into the third peirod.
Isles had them running around good on those delayed penalties.
As good as Dubie played the first, third and fourth goal DiPietro likely stops.
I expect a win tonight for the Isles.
Kiddie Sabre fans? What you make a comment such as the one you did, you look like a dope Mikko! Stick to talking about hockey and stop bashing fans for having faith in their team.
Opps...Sorry Mikko! Was IC I was directing my comment to! Just get sick of the fan bashing on both sides! Ridiculous!
Hey Rag fans...
it would be a disgrace not to be up 2-0 on Atlanta. The freaking Sound Tigers would be up 2-0 on Atlanta.
Wow!!!!!!!!!!!The Rangers won two games in the playoffs against a middling Atlanta team!!!!!!!!! Stop the presses!!!!! This needs to be the front page scoop!!!!!!
RANGERS RULE, Why post here, you have nothing to brag about? Try winning a series, then brag. No one but you and Rag fans care. Here's a hint, you might get a better reception by talking bout this on the Rags blog.
last week newsday said that rick dipietro would not play in buffalo, now it is no surprise that he is playing. another great job by newsday. do they ever get one right? let's go Rangers!
Lets see The Islanders did not get credit for a goal, Buffalo given credit for one, Blake mugged from behind (lucky it was not as serious as could have been) hooks that were called and those which were not. Could it be that the NHL GOOD OLD BOYS could not see a team who has Chinese owner a Canadian Indian blackballed coach, run by a committe be allowed to fiinish with in the top 8 and compete for the top prize when they were suppose to finish 30th NA??????