Islanders G DiPietro out for season

Jan 20, 2009 - 10:41 PM UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) -- Rick DiPietro's injury-plagued season is officially over.

The New York Islanders announced on Tuesday their star goaltender will miss the remainder of the season due to swelling in his surgically repaired knee.

DiPietro, who signed a 15-year, $67.5 million deal in September 2006, had arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a meniscus injury on October 31. The decision is for precautionary measures, according to the team.

The first overall pick of the 2000 draft, DiPietro has not started since January 2. He posted a 1-3-0 mark with a 3.82 goals-against average in five starts.

"After extensive consultation, we feel this decision is in the best interest for Rick and the team," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said. "This will allow Rick ample time to make a full recovery for next year."

DiPietro underwent surgery on his right knee in June, but the team did not specify which knee was the focus of the second operation.

The 27-year-old made three starts in October, but did not appear in another game until the end of December before returning in January.

"This has been one of the most frustrating situations I have ever had to deal with, but this is the right decision for me and the team," DiPietro said.

"I am confident this will allow me to make a complete recovery, be ready in plenty of time for next season, and compete to my highest ability for many years to come. I'd like to thank Islanders fans for their patience and I look forward to playing in front of them next season."

A seven-year veteran, DiPietro is 117-112-21 with eight ties and a 2.79 GAA in 273 career games with New York.

It is the latest blow for the Islanders, who are also without DiPietro's backup Joey MacDonald (groin).

New York tried to re-sign former backup Wade Dubielewicz on Thursday, who had been playing in Russia, but he was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets two days later.

That leaves Yann Danis, who has allowed nine goals in his four games since being called up from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League. The second-year pro stopped 36 shots in a 2-1 overtime loss to Washington on Monday.