Blue Jackets claim G Dubielewicz off waivers - - WTF?

COLUMBUS, OHIO (TICKER) —The plight of the New York Islanders continues.

Two days after the Islanders signed Wade Dubielewicz due to injuries to Rick DiPietro and Joey MacDonald, the goaltender was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.

With DiPietro and MacDonald sidelined, New York was forced to use third-stringer Yann Danis in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins. It was the sixth consecutive setback for the struggling Islanders and 18th in 20 games.

Seeking a more experienced option in net, New York turned to Dubielewicz, who had spent his entire professional career in the Islanders’ organization before signing with Ak Bars Kazan of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League last summer.

In order for the 29-year-old native of Invermere, British Columbia to return to New York, he needed to clear NHL waivers on which he was placed Friday. But with Pascal Leclaire currently on injured reserve, leaving their goaltending duties to rookies Steve Mason and Dan LaCosta, the Blue Jackets pulled the rug from under the Islanders and claimed Dubielewicz, who posted an 11-8-3 mark with a 2.77 GAA in 21 games with Ak Bars Kazan.

Signed by New York as an undrafted free agent in May 2003, the product of the University of Denver owns a 16-13-2 record with a 2.55 GAA and .920 save percentage in 37 career games with the Islanders. Last season, he went 9-9-1 with a 2.70 GAA in 20 contests.

To make room for Dubielewicz, Columbus assigned LaCosta to Syracuse of the American Hockey League.

The 22-year-old LaCosta has appeared in one game for the Blue Jackets this season, allowing two goals on 19 shots in 35 minutes of relief action in a 6-3 loss to the Nashville Predators on October 18. A third-round pick in 2004, the 6-1, 186-pound native of Labrador City, Newfoundland has posted a 12-11-2 record with one shutout and a 2.72 GAA in 28 contests with Syracuse.

LaCosta made his NHL debut last campaign, turning aside all five shots he faced in 13 minutes of relief duty on March 25 in a 3-0 loss - also to Nashville.

To back up Danis against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, the Islanders recalled Peter Mannino from Bridgeport of the AHL.

Mannino, 24, made his NHL debut on November 28, allowing three goals on eight shots in 13 minutes of action in a 7-2 loss to Boston. In 21 games with the Sound Tigers, the 6-foot, 195-pound native of Farmington Hills, Michigan has gone 9-9-2 with one shutout and a 3.09 goals-against average.

A Familiar Refrain

Isles lost again to the Rangers.

Team MVP Joey McDonald hurt his groin (doesn't matter which one) and now they are down to one goalie because they are going to shut DiPietro down for the year--which I have been begging them to do for the past couple of months.

I understand he is a competitor and that he is going to be aching to get out there and help the guys but shutting him down for next year is the right thing to do if the team is serious about playing the kids, getting them experience, and trying to tank so they get the first overall pick.

Ricky would come back, get hurt, come back, get hurt, and then come back again...only to get hurt. Sit him down, let the knee/hip/other knee/other hip heal, and have him sign autographs at the team store for the rest of the regular season. Then, next year, assuming he is all cleared to play, he'll be a freaking animal and so excited to play that we may steal a game or two for the Isles in the early-going.

Now comes word in Newsday that the Isles are reaching out to prodigal son Wade Dubielewicz, who was bought out of his (probably) sketchy Russian KHL contract with Kazan Ak-Bars this year. Dubie was 11-8-3 for those Ice Bears at the time of his buyout; losing the job to 20-year-old Stanislav Galimov.

(And no, I didn't just get that off the top of my head. Thanks, hockeydb.com.)

Just want to mention that the Isles lead the league in man-games lost and it is something over 260. That is just ridiculous.

Wave Goodbye to Dubie

Today's Newsday reports that the Isles made an offer to goalie Wade Dubielewicz but that he rejected the offer and will test the free agency waters. Dubie, who has always been a fan favorite, is always going to be remembered as the guy who poke-checked the puck off of Sergei Brylin's stick in the shootout two seasons ago that put the Isles in the playoffs.

Joey MacDonald who has a one-way contract for the upcoming season, is probably going to be Rick DiPietro's backup in net for the Isles in 2008-09.

Newsday also reports that Islanders GM Garth Snow has made no offers to Miroslav Satan, Ruslan Fedotenko and Josef Vasicek. The Tank and Vasicek were essentially on one-year trials with the team so we can't really say that is a surprise. Satan had not ever lived up to the contract he had--remember, he was brought in to mesh with Yashin and we all know how that worked out--and he will be entertaining offers on July 1.

What this really signifies is that the team is going the Flayers route with a youth movement to get the young guys some experience at the NHL level with vets like Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie and Mike Sillinger there to guide them through the season. Not sure what I think of this yet...but at least it is nice to say that they actually have a plan this time.

Dubie does it again

One thing we learned last night about the Rangers: any idea that the Rangers are playoff-ready is as preposterous as Ryan Hollweg's '70s porno mustache.

Dubie was outstanding again. Even though Morrison has the one-way contract next year, I think we all are hopeful that Dubie gets re-signed. He's a very good goalie.

More to come if we can...

Okposo goes 1 and 1 as the Islanders stop six-game skid

Well, now the hype machine can stop and get a fresh for a little bit. Islanders top prospect Kyle Okposo scored his first NHL goal last night as the Isles beat the Devils in Newark, 3-1.

The Islanders riddle has been difficult for the Devils this year. The win puts the Isles' record at 6-1 on the season. The Devils are in a dead-even tie with the Penguins for second in the Eastern Conference; one point behind the leaders, Montreal. If the Devils even split the season series with the Isles, you'd think that they'd be running away with the Eastern Conference crown.

The Isles were paced by Wade Dubielewicz, who made 34 saves, to raise his record to 3-0 against New Jersey. Dubielewicz made many acrobatic stops in the final period when his net was under siege.

The Islanders goals were scored by Blake Comeau (who has certainly seen his stock rise this season with the team), Okposo, and Trent Hunter, who added a late empty-netter to seal the game.

Clearly, the story of the game was Okposo. At a time when the team and it's fans could use some good news, Okposo has been a bright spot in his first two NHL games. He hasn't looked out of place, has cycled well, and has received praise from his coaches and teammates. He doesn't seem afraid to use his body to improve his positioning and always is ready to head to the net. These are all great attributes in a young player.

Islanders Team Report courtesy Yahoo! Sports

Inside Shots

In the middle of an interview on a top-rated local radio program Thursday, Islanders general manager Garth Snow was asked if Ted Nolan’s decision to start backup goalie Wade Dubielewicz for the third straight game that night caused him to raise an eyebrow.

“One eyebrow or two?” Snow replied.

Snow already was on record earlier in the week that he expected All-Star starter Rick DiPietro back in the lineup Thursday on the back end of a home-and-home series against the rival Rangers, even though Dubielewicz had filled in admirably in a 4-3 shootout victory two nights earlier at Madison Square Garden with DiPietro skipping his second straight game due to the death last week of his grandmother.

The Isles’ ongoing struggles on the power play were more of a factor than was Dubielewicz’s play in Thursday’s playoff-damaging 4-1 loss, and Nolan undoubtedly will switch back to his workhorse starter for Saturday’s visit to Philadelphia.

Still, DiPietro, who returned from Massachusetts in time to practice with the team Wednesday and again at Thursday’s morning skate, has 13 years remaining after this season on a 15-year contract. Thus, it was big news that Nolan had the pucks to stick with Dubielewicz, who entered the game with 13 wins in his NHL career.

“I was told I wasn’t playing,” said DiPietro, who sports a lackluster save percentage of .886 over his past 16 starts. “At the end of the day, that’s a coach’s decision. Dubie played well the last game and got us that win in the shootout. It was unfortunate I was away a couple of days and missed time.”

Nolan also wasn’t pleased that DiPietro announced the decision to the media before he did.

“Ricky has to concentrate on being a goaltender and we’ll concentrate on coaching the team,” he said. “We’re in the business of winning games, so you’ve got to go with the hot goaltender — if that’s the case — or you come back with our No. 1 guy.

“Either way, it’s a tough decision. But actually, it’s a good decision. You want tough decisions to make. If it’s easy, the competition isn’t there. So, a hard decision is better for the team. It’s a great position for us to be in deciding which goaltender should go because they’re both very adequate.”

Rangers 4, Islanders 1: Whatever you think of Ted Nolan’s daring decision to stick with backup Wade Dubielewicz for a third straight game despite All-Star starter Rick DiPietro’s availability, know that goaltending wasn’t to blame for the Islanders’ latest anemic loss. Heck, instead of manning the door at the end of the bench, maybe DiPietro’s vaunted stick-handling skills could have proved helpful at the point to aid another wretched performance by the Isles’ putrid power-play unit. The Isles went 0-for-5 with the man-advantage, including three straight power-play opportunities with the game within reach in the second period. With their fifth loss in their last seven games, the low-scoring Isles slipped to five points behind the eighth-place Flyers in the Eastern Conference, with a visit to Philadelphia on tap for Saturday.

Notes, Quotes

• D Bruno Gervais (concussion) skated Thursday for the second consecutive day, but Isles coach Ted Nolan said there is no timetable presently for his return to the lineup. LW Jon Sim, who had surgery in October to repair a torn ACL, also has resumed skating on his own, but it remains doubtful that he will be back before the regular season is over.

Quote To Note: “I thought Dubie did well. He had a breakaway against him, then a re-direction on the second and third (goals). It certainly wasn’t Dubielewicz’s fault. He played a strong game and kept us in. Rick (DiPietro) will have two practices under his belt and he’ll run with it from here on in.”—Coach Ted Nolan, on his decision to give backup goalie Wade Dubielewicz a third straight start in Thursday’s 4-1 loss to the Rangers.

Isles over the Rangers in another shootout

Ever notice that Jaromir Jagr backs away from shootouts like there's cops telling him that "there's nothing to see here?" What is that about?

Here is Jagr's carefully-tailored defense, as written in today's New York Times: "I'm bad, that's all," Jagr said of his performance in shootouts. "There are a lot of good players here."

Pardon me, but if I am backing up Brinks trucks to some guy's house and he also just happens to be the captain of the team, that guy is so taking a chance in the shootout. What kind of leader backs away from a challenge with the game on his stick?

The Drew Carey Show once coined a word that was the combination of "pathetic" and "sad". They called it "pathetisad". Jagr's inability to step up and lead his team when he is needed and counted on is truly pathetisad.

Why they keep him around is beyond me. He seems to be interested less than half the time and the Rangers' announcers know that. They coddle and talk as positively as they can without calling him out and questioning his heart. It's a lot like the way the Islanders treated Yashin; just hoping that he would decide to turn it on once and again. The Giants do the same thing with Jeremy Shockey when they say crap like, "we have to get Shockey involved early" because if he doesn't get a catch or two in the first quarter he will pout and make Eli's day miserable.

But we are not here to bitch about the Rangers. We are here celebrate all things Dubielewicz and Tambellini.

Islanders fans have been begging for Tambellini to get some meaningful minutes for the team. For the most part, I don't think he has been put in a situation where he has much of a chance to contribute on the scoresheet. Sure, The Kid Line (I still prefer The Bridgeport Connection) gets minutes to spell the other guys and bring some energy to the team. And for that, they've been good and have done their job. But Tambellini has to be a guy on one of the top two lines. He has proven himself to be sick at the American League level and somehow, he has got to get there for this team. That's why it was so sweet to see him seal the game for the Isles in the sixth round of the shootout. It had to be a great burden for him since he is known as a scorer in the minors to be able to help the big club win an important game against their fiercest rivals.

And what else can you say about Wade Dubielewicz? The guy just always seems to come up big when the Islanders need him. Dubielewicz made another surprise start against the Rangers on the road in a big spot where his team needed points desperately, and he came through. This is where Jagr could do some learning. Dubie has already stepped in fire and learned from it last year when he pokechecked the Islanders to a shootout victory against the Devils in last year's final game to push our boys into the postseason. When he is needed, he is ready. He understands his role and prepares himself as best he can to deliver whenever he gets an opportunity. How can you not love that? Wade Dubielewicz is a gamer, pure and simple.

What a game it was. There was a definite playoff atmosphere with dueling chants amongst a split crowd. Even the Rangers' announce team of Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti were able to recognize that in between cheerleading for Henrik Lundqvist last night. Seriously, boys, the big boy crushes that you have on Lundqvist are not warranted. He's, um, just not that into you. Anyway, for a guy who is supposed to be one of the best goalies in the league, Lundqvist's wide stance let him down last night. He was pretty shaky.

The Islanders took the lead late in the first on a pinball goal from Blake Comeau. They opened up a 3-1 lead in the second on scores by Trent Hunter and Sean Bergenheim before the Rangers came storming back on goals by Chris Drury in the second and a shorthanded goal by Ryan Callahan.

Once in the shootout, the Islander goals were scored by Bill Guerin and, of course, Jeff Tambellini.

The Rangers make the trip out to the suburbs for another Thursday Night Showdown on Long Island. Rick DiPietro is expected between the pipes for the Islanders. The Isles now have 71 points and are still in tenth place in the playoff push.

The Coaching Staff Reads My Blog!

Wade Dubielewicz, as predicted in this space this past week, will be in net tonight against the last-place LA Kings.

Aaron Johnson has been recalled; Dubie sent to The Bridge

According to the Islanders' website, Isles defenseman (and sometimes winger) Aaron Johnson will be suiting up tonight for the Sound Tigers in Philadelphia tonight to take on the Phantoms. After the game he will be recalled and presumably will be in the lineup Saturday night when the Flyers come to town.

I guess this does not mean Chris Campoli got great news with his shoulder that he injured against the Devils. Johnson played well for the Islanders in a checking role up front and on the blueline when needed. Again, this is a great testament to the Islanders' defensive depth. He brings 121 games of NHL experience back to the lineup.

Wade Dubielewicz was sent back to Bridgeport this morning on a conditioning stint. Not sure if he will get the start in Philadelphia tonight or not. Mike Morrison swaps places with Dubie and will backup Rick DiPietro with the big club for the time being.

Again, this is a good thing for Dubie. Ricky is going to play the overwhelming majority of games and if he is to be counted on for the spot duty they'll need, Dubielewicz is simply going to need real-game action. Practice shots are no match for in-game play.

Morrison has had three shutouts for the Sound Tigers this year and a 2.70 goals against average.

Also, in other Sound Tiger news, Justin Bourne has been called up to Bridgeport from Utah of the ECHL. One stop closer to the big club for the son of Islander alumni!

Wade Dubielewicz Goalie Mask

Click on any image to see it full-size.


(Above: Right Side)


(Above: Left Side)

D-Day for Berard; Bridgeport, and more!

Today is the day that the Islanders need to move on the Bryan Berard situation. Berard has, from all accounts, played well during his tryout with the team. I'm hopeful that Garth and the Brain trust will see fit to offer Bryan a contract for this season. I thought he played very well in Bridgeport the other night (the Devils won 2-1) and the fact that the guy is on Islanders TV all the time shows us that everyone is pulling for the guy.

The tryout route is not set in stone, however. The Isles got lucky last year with Richard Park and Mike Dunham but even a guy like Dave Tanabe--once thought to have a lot of promise--was let go by the Blues after being in camp on a tryout. My feeling is that Berard and his agent are probably working out the details right now.

Regarding the game in Bridgeport, two players really stood out for me for the Isles. The first was, of course, local favorite Wade Dubielewicz. Dubie was the first star of the game and made 40 saves; many of them difficult and (dare I say) spectacular.

The other guy who really made an impression on me was Matthew Spiller. Spiller is a big dude and he plays a very simple game. He was not afraid to step in to defend and help out his teammates either. I'm not sure what his contract situation is but if he does not make the Islanders, he is going to be a solid, solid defenseman for the Soundtigers. Also, with injuries being as they are, Spiller could find himself contributing on Long Island.

To end this post, I just want to send out condolences to Ted Nolan and his family. I don't think it has been reported too widely, but our coach recently lost someone in his family and that's why he missed the game in Bridgeport and others over the weekend while he went home to attend to personal matters.

Training Camp is open in Moncton!

Were you like me, scouring the stores to see if Hallmark makes a "Training Camp is Open!" card for your friends and family?

Some great news: Eric Cairns has returned to the Islanders. From Chris Botta's Point Blank blog, it seems that Cairns called Garth Snow, said he was retired, and wanted to get involved in the alumni-side of things. In fact, he is in Moncton with the team, ready to do what is needed. Great to have the big guy back. It's great to see how much Mr. Wang and the management team have embraced the alumni. Without them, the fans and the team have no history. Remember how the Gang of Four and Don Maloney wanted the Cup years buried? Embarrassing.

The Islanders also acquired center Ben Walter (the son of Canadiens and Capitals captain Ryan Walter) and a conditional second-round pick in the 2009 draft from the Boston Bruins on Sept. 11 for former first-round selection Petteri Nokelainen.

At first glance, this looks like a steal for the Isles, doesn't it? We're getting a guy with classic NHL pedigree and an ability to put up fine numbers in the AHL (24 goals and 43 points in 73 games for Providence last year) for a guy who has been injured and inactive a lot for the Sound Tigers since he has been drafted in 2004.

This move doesn't mean that the Isles felt "safe" giving up on Nokelainen...it just seems to be part of an overall move league-wide to get the team a little more North American. With Walter, the team knows what they're getting. He's proven himself to be a quality AHL player and now you know he will be given every chance to skate a regular shift for the big club. Getting the chance is all a player can ask for and Ted Nolan proved one thing in his first season with the team: everyone gets an opportunity if they earn it. Look at guys like Richard Park and Mike Dunham last year. They went from attending camp on tryouts to playing key roles for the Islanders' drive to the playoffs.

Speaking of Mike Dunham, Dunnie ended his 10-year playing career this past Monday to become the goaltending coach for the team.

Another solid move for the team. Dunham played well in stretches when the team needed him (at the beginning of the year) and then had difficulty shaking out the rust toward the end after playing caddy for Ricky for so long. Dunham has been around the guys and must have an excellent rapport with DiPietro and Dubie--he was one of the big cheerleaders on the bench for Dubielewicz as he played Cinderella in the last few games to get the Isles to the dance.

Last but not least, be sure to check out Botta's blog for the story on new Islander captain Bill Guerin's visit to the Islanders offices and introduced himself to all of the worker bees in the office. He also ended up arranging lunch for everyone working hard for the team. I've been in office jobs all my life and that little effort means so much when building on a positive foundation. We're not going to miss Ryan Smyth in the least. We've got a solid new captain who wants to lead and wants to be a part f what is happening on Long Island.

Here's the link.

http://nyipointblank.blogspot.com/2007/09/bill-guerin-buys-lunch.html


Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the Isles official site is using the picture of Bryan Berard that was posted and edited here on this blog by my wife. Good job, Honey!

New Soundtigers' goalie

The Islanders announced today that they have signed former Bruins goaltender Joey MacDonald to a two-year contract. Since Wade Dubielewicz is likely the backup to DiPietro this year, I guess that makes MacDonald the new Soundtigers goalie. MacDonald finished with a 2-2-1 record and a 2.68 goals-against average after joining the Bruins from the Detroit Red Wings organization.

The Islanders also have a presser tomorrow to introduce Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie.

End of first period: Islanders 1 Devils 0

Gotta love the Center Ice package. We get the Devils announcers and not the regular Islanders crew. You know, for the biggest game all season you want to habe the announcers of the team that is already in the playoffs.

First impressions: I forgot how much Steve "Decidedly Not Doc" Cangialosi looks like Deuce Bigelow. He used to give me piles whenever I would watch Metrostars games. Now he is stinking up the hockey game.

Chico Resch is the man. He always has reminded me of that favorite uncle of yours that is a bit absent minded but always well meaning. He is always pleasant and excited. But that toupee...

Chico did have a great line when Tom Poti whiffed on a bouncing puck. He said something approxomating "Poti thought that he had half a net (to shoot at) but he had none of the puck." It was funnier that it reads, I swear.

I wonder if the people in Toronto are up-in-arms with Scott Clemmensen in net and not Marty Brodeur. Remember: just because Marty is sitting it out that it doesn't mean that the Devils aren't going to win. I have to admit to a perverse thrill knowing that the Toronto media is now devising their own conspiracy theories as I type this.

The Isles came out with great jump. That had to be expected with their backs against the wall. The Islanders goal was scored by Barnacle Boy himself, Richard Park. Another great effort by Park.

See you after the second...

Senators 1-0 after one period

OK, so they weren't on HNIC. I forgot a little matchup between the Penguins and Leafs. Don Cherry is probably ripping on Sidney Crosby as I type this.

Wade Dubielewicz stopped 17 of 18 in the first period. He's been solid so far. A guy with Yoda on his mask has got to have a little something extra, eh?

Good news that Andy Hilbert and Ryan Smyth are playing tonight.

Hockey Night In Canada

Tonight the boys are on HNIC. I only wish the Islanders were in a better state right now for the big game in Ottawa, but they're not. At the very least, we get to see Don Cherry.

In the past few days, Freddy Meyer has been shut down with a broken finger. Accoring to the team website, Fred's been gutting it out with the finger for some time now. Hats off to him. He's proven to be a team guy.

It also looks like Bruno Gervais is going to be shut down with that bad ankle as well. Again, it is a good move. Both guys have shown promise and have long careers ahead of them.

Garth Snow has brought in some replacements on defense--and boy, do we need it. Deron Quint and Todd Simpson have been signed for the rest of the season. At the very least, bringing in two veterans to take over for the depleted squad show the guys in the room that the team brass is still trying to make that playoff push.

Bad news on the guys up front too. As everyone already knows, Captain Canada was out of the last game against Buffalo with a leg problem. I hope Ryan Smyth plays tonight in Ottawa. Andy Hilbert's shoulder kept him out of the Buffalo game as well.

There's speculation surrounding the goaltending situation for the Islanders. Ricky's concussion issues--and yes, they are officially concussion issues now--may keep him out for the rest of the year. Wallace Matthews in Newsday wrote that the team should keep Rick out of the rest of the season, and I have to say that I agree. Whatever side of the 15-year contract you're on, no one wants to see a young man cut down in his prime.

Expect Wade Dubielewicz tonight. I thought he was solid coming in for Dunham in Buffalo.

Panthers 8 Islanders 5

Ugly-ass game tonight in South Florida.

Mike Sillinger had two goals and two assists. Ryan Smyth had his best game as an Islander with two goals and a helper. And miraculously, both players were minus-2! But check this out:

Sean Hill: -4
Miro Satan: -5 and benched for most of the second period. Minus five!
Brendan Witt: -3
Viktor Kozlov: -2 and he only played just over 5 minutes!

You know the feeling you get when you have the flu and you don't know whether you're going to shit yourself or throw up? Well, I have that feeling right now. And I bet Mike Dunham does too. Dunham--who I don't think you can say is still rusty after Ricky played all those games in a row--played a game that he'd like to forget real, real soon. He was so bad that you have to wonder whether or not Teddy Nolan calls the bullpen and starts Wade Dubielewicz on Tuesday in Tampa. Panic move? Maybe it is. But maybe we need to panic right now.

Every time the Islanders scored, the Panthers came right back to answer. It was just a terrible display out there tonight in a game the team really needed. And to see Olli Jokinen go 2 and 3 for an amazing plus-6 is sickening. I wonder what Oleg Kvasha was doing tonight? Mark Parrish?

The Rangers put up a touchdown on the Bruins and their constipated-looking coach, Dave Lewis. Lewis is probably out of answers right now. So the Bruins seem to be falling off.

Montreal picked up two points tonight by taking the shootout from the Leafs and Darcy Tucker; who choked on it when he could have given the Leafs the shootout win. Still, as nice as it is to see failure on Tucker's part, it is as sad to see the Islanders failing to rally behind Dunham. We need Ricky back as soon as is possible--general body soreness or not.

Scott Morrison on the CBC Satellite Hotstove said that the rumor is that Ricky's is pretty concussed and had a nasty gash on his neck from the collision with Steve Begin. Let's hope we see a healed DiPietro on Thursday night.