For the second straight year, Rick DiPietro has been forced to undergo hip surgery, this time on his right hip.
The Islander goalie underwent successful surgery yesterday in Vail, Colo., after receiving MRI results. The operation was performed by Dr. Marc Philippon, who did the surgery on DiPietro’s left hip after the playoffs last season.
The goalie is expected to be ready for training camp, as he was a year ago.
“Rick wanted badly to be with his team until the end of the season, but this decision was made with his best long-term interests in mind,” GM Garth Snow said.
“He gave everything he had to the Islanders and our fans this season and was a warrior all the way through. By having the surgery immediately, Rick will have plenty of time to be at 100 percent long before the start of … training camp in September.”
DiPietro, 26, who is in the midst of a 15-year deal with the Isles, was injured during the All-Star skills competition. Wade Dubielewicz will finish out the year as the starter.