SC Riessersee: Reports Rick DiPietro flew home on Dec 11th. Two American teammates have also returned to the US with only one of the players (not DiPietro) perhaps returning to Germany if there is no end to the NHL lockout.
The article does not definitively state if DiPietro is finished in Germany or could return in the future but the images posted gives the appearance he will not be returning. Other NHL players are returning home for the holidays.
NYIFC Comments:
The NY Post claimed Rick DiPietro told them he is not injured, he has only played one game in Germany. It would seem there are many teams/places in North America where he can work out. Bottom line if he is healthy he is doing nothing in terms of getting into game shape by playing actual games which there is no substitute for.
Of course many New York Islander/NHL players are in the same circumstances which includes Evgeny Nabokov.
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In terms of goaltending it's been mildly noticeable Kevin Poulin has not started in any of the last five games for Bridgeport. Perhaps Nilsson's illness earlier means things are being evened up, however this is a long time for Poulin to sit on what is obviously a struggling team, despite it's recent win/overtime loss.
Bridgeport's struggles are to a point a stretch like this can define a season.
Former head coach Brent Thompson played Poulin down the stretch, through the first round during last years playofffs while Nilsson was injured in March.
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Final New York Islander televised game days in calendar year 2012? Twenty two if you count being hidden on +2 televised after games pulled for TWC subscribers.
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As for the NHL lockout, as written previously there will be no further entries pending an agreement of a new CBA or the cancellation of the NHL season.
This writer has given it's views many times along with the media coverage.
On 9/21 an entry was written here on Jim Devellano's comments, it was the one article you should still be reading now here.
