Uniondale, NY (My Sportsbook) - The New York Islanders assigned goaltender and former first overall draft selection Rick DiPietro to Bridgeport of the AHL on Friday. DiPietro has not played in more than two weeks as backup Garth Snow has gone 6-3-1 in Chris Osgood's absence. Osgood has been sidelined since January 23 when he sprained his ankle. Snow has allowed fewer than three goals in six straight starts (4-1-1), including his first shutout of the season on Wednesday, a 3-0 blanking of San Jose. DiPietro, who was the top overall pick in the 2000 draft, has not played since February 4, when the Islanders suffered a 2-1 loss to Philadelphia. The Islanders called up goaltender Steve Valiquette to back up Snow while DiPietro gets work in the minors. In four games with the Islanders, DiPietro recorded a 2-2 record with a 2.02 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. He was 12-10-8 with a 2.23 GAA and .923 save percentage with Bridgeport. Valiquette had a 10-8-1 record with a 2.56 GAA and .916 save percentage with Bridgeport this season. He has not played in the NHL since 2000. The Islanders also assigned right wing Eric Godard to Bridgeport. |
