DiPietro Spotted on Crutches. Time for a Backup Plan!

As per Greg Logan, Islanders 2000 first overall draft pick and franchise goaltender Rick DiPietro has been spotted at the team's rehab facility under the use of crutches. This comes only a day removed from hearing coach Scott Gordon say of DiPietro after yesterday's season finale "He's upbeat. I don't know the specifics of his timetable, but he's been encouraged with the way things are going and he fully expects to be on the ice mid-summer and ready to go."

What does this mean for the franchise? The absence of the 6'1", 210 lb. goaltender was what many feel led to the Islanders finishing 30 out of 30 in the final NHL standings in 2009. DiPietro's chronic "lower body injuries" (knee and hip injuries) have caused him to miss virtually the entire 2008-09 season, as well as the conclusion to the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. Clearly, a healthy DiPietro is the key to a return to success for hockey on Long Island, and the question of his health is by far the biggest concern among Islander fans this offseason.

Should DiPietro have yet another setback this year, the Islanders do have a few choices at potential backup plans. The mostly solid play of backups Yann Danis and Joey MacDonald have warranted them credit by Islander fans, however, should DiPietro not return next year, don't expect to see either of them as the Isles' #1 in net in 2009-10. More likely, however, is the possibility of seeing the Islanders solve their need at a starting goaltender through this years free agency period. Below is a small list of potential suitors for the Islanders starting goaltender position should the need arise.

Craig Anderson. Florida's backup to Tomas Vokoun posted a solid 15-7-5 over 31 games with a .924 save percentage (3rd best in the league) and a 2.71 goals against average. He won four of his last five games of the 2008-09 season and has played consistent all year. Islanders fans will remember his solid play from last years "core of the four" game, when he shut out the Islanders on 53 shots (Anderson's 53 saves were an NHL record for amount of saves during a shutout). Anderson made $575,000 last season and is expected to get quite a raise through free agency, as many feel that Florida will up their price to keep Anderson. Overall, Anderson in an Isles jersey is wishful thinking, however his potential high price may drive the Isles away.

Scott Clemmensen. The Devils backup for Martin Broduer has been a major story of the NHL this year, and his play off the bench may lead to a connection with the NFL's Matt Cassell. The 31 year old Clemmensen played in 40 games this year, posting a record of 25-13-1 with 2 shutout victories, as well as finishing in the top 10 in save percentage (.917%, 9th) and goals against average (2.39, 7th). Clemmensen made a modest $500,000 this season, and, like Cassell, likely will make more durin the offseason. Temas may look at his wonderful run as Devils starting goaltender and see a slam dunk signing. Personally, I wouldn't touch Clemmensen, as I feel that he was purely in the right place at the right time. I can see, however, the Islanders possibly offering Clemmensen a contract, as he can be seen as a low risk, high reward type of signing.

Ty Conklin. Personally, the most intriguing of all potential free agent goaltenders the Islanders could land is Detroit's Ty Conklin. The 33 year old journeyman goaltender has played for five teams since the 2001-02 season. He finished 25-11-2 this season in 40 games played and posted 6 shutouts this season, the sixth best in the league. His solid play during the regular season is something that can really boost the Islanders into a possible playoff position next year. Conklin earned $750,000 this past season, and barring him leading the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup victory this year, Conklin likely will get a 1 year contract worth about the same as what he makes now. Of all potential suitors for Rick DiPietro's possible "replacement", I see Conklin as the most likely candidate.

Keel in mind that all this is speculation. It is very likely that DiPietro will be healthy for next season and could possibly be back to his usual form. However, should there be even one more minor setback, the Islanders need to jump at a backup plan to ensure they do not finish last again next year