New York Islanders‘ 1st round draft pick in 2000 (#1 overall) goalie Rick DiPietro(39) was recently waived by the team and reassigned to minor league affiliate Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
It’s not his first time back since he predominantly played there in his first pair of pro seasons. He was sent down a few years ago on a conditioning stint for four games.
The 11-year veteran net minder has run into more than his share of bad luck with injuries but feels 100% ready to play in the lockout shortened 2013 season but was ineffective in three starts with an 0-3 record.
Hitting the AHL pipes again to regain his confidence was seen as the best possible scenario for the now 31-year old with 8 years left on his 15-year, $67.5 millon contract.
In his first start, he was shelled for 5 goals on a meager 12 shots (on 3 of them he could have sued teammates for non-support) and was mercifully pulled after the first period. He managed much better the next night making 22 of 25 saves in the Sound Tigers‘ 4-3 victory.
Where his story will go from here is anyone’s guess.
See related: 4/13-10
