Rick DiPietro has had some disappointing comeback attempts, so it’s no surprise he wants to downplay his likely return to game action on Saturday, when he is scheduled to play for the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.
“It’s a game,” DiPietro said yesterday. “It’s a big step and we’ll see how it goes, but a game is a game.”
The fragile DiPietro hasn’t played in a game since Jan. 2, and he appeared in just five last season because of knee injuries. He is expected to play only a period or two on Saturday against Springfield.
“I probably haven’t gone this long [between games], but I’ve been on the ice for the past two months,” DiPietro said. “I hope I’m not rusty, but we’ll see.”
A two-week conditioning stint would have him back with the Isles in time for their home-and-home against the Rangers that begins on Dec. 16.
In the meantime, DiPietro’s teammates are eager for his return, despite the solid play of Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron, who have kept the team in contention in the mediocre Eastern Conference.
“It’s good to have him around,” Kyle Okposo said of DiPietro. “He seems to be healthy and doing well and his spirits are up.”
“I’m sure he’ll be fine,” coach Scott Gordon said. “He’s gotten this far.”
Frans Nielsen has missed the last two practices after suffering an upper-body injury against the Devils. Gordon said he doesn’t expect Nielsen to play tomorrow at Atlanta. He would be replaced by Blake Comeau or Rob Schremp.