Much like last year, the Islanders will start their season with Rick DiPietro’s health in doubt.
Unlike a year ago, however, the Isles are better suited to being without him, having signed a pair of veterans — Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron — who are both capable of starting in goal. But DiPietro and coach Scott Gordon remain optimistic that the oft-injured player will return to his old form.
“Next week he should be able to ramp up his workouts on the ice,” Gordon said after the team worked out in Syosset yesterday. “It’s working on more technique. Everything is pretty controlled right now, the next step is to make it more game-like . . . moving off passes, multiple shots, recoveries, everything that would come up in the course of a normal practice, but do it in a controlled environment.”
DiPietro is trying to be patient.
“I’m obviously frustrated,” the goalie said. “I’d like to be on the ice right now, skating with the team and have a regular training camp and not have to worry about being injured and rehab every day. But this is part of the bigger picture.”
The team is expected to announce a captain today.
*
With only one day left before Charles Wang’s self-imposed deadline, the Isles’ owner and Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi announced a proposed lease for Wang’s Lighthouse Project, which would include a refurbished Coliseum. The project still needs to be voted on by the county legislature, as well as by the Town of Hempstead’s zoning commission. If he does not get the go-ahead by tomorrow, the day of the Isles’ season opener, Wang has repeatedly said he will “explore all options,” including moving the team.