Any relation to Rocky? No, not Balboa.

I hate to say it but I think he's done.......he will never be what he was and if he does come back, its going to take 1/2 a season just to get back to 1/2 of what he was

I somehow don't think that the Isles signed him to that contract so he could coast and be careful withi himself. I'm pretty sure they signed him to play net. He can pretend he intends to play the full 15 years all he wants, but there isn't a person outside of his bedroom who believes it. Get your ace off the IR, get back into the game, and start trying to earn the contract you signed 4 years ago. What's he played, like 50 games in that time? Ridiculous. I officially call this guy heartless. The contract set the tone for the contracts you see today, except basically everyone else that has signed one is EARNING theirs.

Not to push too much? If you're gonna say that, then give back some of the money you're stealing. Wow, what a clueless comment!

I bet if they stopped sending checks the uninjury will heal very fast.

The more I think about it, the more I'm sure that he's the type of guy who won't be retiring early either. You know the Zetterbergs and Hossas won't ever reach the end of their contracts and will retire before they run out, but everything this guy does makes is clear to me that even if he can't play at all in 5 years, he'll never officially retire so he can keep collecting the paycheques for nothing. It wouldn't be a big difference from current times anyway.

And exactly where is he "responding to critics" in this story? Seems to me he's giving them/us more fuel...

Biron to the Dead Things once DiPietro is back?

It always makes me laugh when I think of that ridiculous contract. Fear not Isles, Luongo's is going to be such a bear in its last couple years. Do teams not realize that players get hurt, I know the Isles do now.

DiPietro should respond to critics on the ice, not in a hospital bed.

I have played on teams with Rick growing up. He is probably the most selfish person I have ever met. Always thinking he was so much better then everyone else, even at an early age (pee wee's). It does not suprise me to see him being injured so often and for such extended amounts of time. He has all the talent in the world yet refuses to work hard and build upon it, Talent can only carry someone so far.

QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 10:28 AM ET  11.13 by Andy Moog

He has all the talent in the world yet refuses to work hard and build upon it, Talent can only carry someone so far.

Unfortunately, you see that in every sport.

In all fairness to Rick outside of last year he had been playing roughly 63 games a year for the previous 3 years. I realize he didn't finish some seasons, but the team was out of it anyway.

I think what he was trying to say is he wants to get back into the net, and stay there. Not rush it back, play too early and then be out for the rest of the season. I'm pretty sure thats what happened to him last time he came back. Now though the Islanders have other decent options in net, and don't need him rushed back, especially considering their not making the playoffs this year anyway.

I wouldn't write the guy off yet, but he does have a lot to prove on the ice.

If he can get healthy and return to form, the isles should be smart and trade Rolo or Biron for some draft picks.

Carrying all that cash in your pockets can reek havoc on your knees......

What a sweet deal Di Pietro has going for him! Where else in the entire Universe can you be a mediocre goaltender for 4 or 5 years and get paid a superstar salary for 15 years? Nice!

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 10:09 AM ET  11.13 by FoosBall

Biron to the Dead Things once DiPietro is back?

I say the Wings go after Roloson. They know what Roli can do because he's done it to them!

DiPietro is a pretty good goalie when he is healthy and at his best.

he is set for life. why push it. the islanders were silly enough to make that kind of offer & now they will have to live with it until DiP retires, which will take the entire contract as he will injure himself every other season it seems.

QUOTE(#18):

Originally posted 01:08 PM ET  11.13 by Argos: JIGGY!

DiPietro is a pretty good goalie when he is healthy and at his best.

You have a pretty good memory. I can't recall seeing him healthy and at his best. Ever.