Is DiPietro Ready To Come Back?

April 13, 2007
ESPN / Associated Press

DiPietro nears return after 1st practice in 3 weeks

AMHERST, N.Y. — New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro inched closer to returning to the lineup after practicing Friday for the first time in three weeks since sustaining his second concussion.

Coach Ted Nolan said DiPietro looked sharp, but he'll wait until the morning pregame skate Saturday before determining whether the goalie will play in Game 2 of the Islanders' first-round Eastern Conference playoff series at Buffalo.

Nolan, though, expressed hope that DiPietro's potential return would provide the Isles a boost following a 4-1 series-opening loss to the Sabres on Thursday.

"Anytime you get your most valuable player back, a guy who led you all season, it's a big lift for us for sure," Nolan said.

DiPietro has been out since March 25, when he sustained his second concussion in a span of 12 days. He missed the final seven games of the regular season, but New York rallied to win its final four games behind minor-leaguer Wade Dubielewicz and clinch the East's eighth and final playoff berth.

Dubielewicz stopped 31 shots in making his career playoff debut Thursday. DiPietro traveled to Buffalo in time to watch the game after he was cleared by team doctors in Long Island earlier in the day.

The best-of-seven series shifts to Long Island for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Wednesday.

Except for feeling a little rusty, DiPietro said he felt fine after practice.

"I think tomorrow morning will be a good indicator and we'll go from there," said DiPietro.

"It's good to be back," DiPietro added. "It's tough to put into words how excited I am to be back and be a part of this. ... If you're a competitor, you want to play and I realize how important these games are."

DiPietro went 32-19-9 with five shutouts this season, his first since signing a 15-year contract.