It’s never a good sign when fans chant for the backup goalie – particularly when it’s the backup goalie from last year and he’s playing in Russia.
Such was the case several times earlier this season, as some people clamored for the return of Wade Dubielewicz, while the Islanders’ goalie issues mounted.
Now, he’s back – pending waivers – but he’s too late to do much in a season that has left those same people clamoring for little more than the No. 1 pick in the draft and a new arena.
Maybe that’s why coach Scott Gordon made it so clear yesterday that this year’s results don’t matter.
“I’m not even concerned about the wins and losses,” said Gordon, whose team has lost its last six as it enters tonight’s game against the Devils at the Coliseum. “That’s secondary to how our players are playing and developing. As long as were playing the way we’ve played the last two games, nobody’s going to beat them down.”
Even Dubielewicz tried to downplay expectations upon arrival at his workout in Syosset. He hoped no one has expectations of him magically turning this season around and getting them into the playoffs, as he did two years ago.
“It’s definitely possible,” Dubielewicz said of the fans’ hopes in him being set too high. “I hope that’s not the case. All I can ask is to do my best and hope that’s enough to win some games. About the savior part, let’s be realistic here. That’s a little crazy.”
Dubielewicz was bought out by his Russian team last month and has been skating in Connecticut for the past couple of weeks. He didn’t play as well as he had hoped when he opted to sign with Ak Bars Kazan and he left, in what he said was a mutual decision.
He said he would like to practice a few times before getting into a game, but Gordon wouldn’t rule him out for tonight’s match, if Dubielewicz felt he was ready.