Dubie, Dubie Don’t
Jan 17th, 2009 | By Brian Bohl | Category: New York Islanders, Today's News | Edit
Yann Danis tried to make most of chance after Wade Dubielewicz was claimed on waivers. (Brian Bohl/NYSD)
UNIONDALE, NY - Fans walking in the frigid air outside Nassau Coliseum saw the unintentionally ironic banner that read “we’re all Islanders.” Two days prior, the club generated news by agreeing to play a preseason game next season in Kansas City, which could be a potential relocation spot for the franchise.
The marketing slogan also provided another contradiction when the Islanders found out that goaltender Wade Dubielewicz would have to leave Nassau County. Despite agreeing to terms with the netminder Thursday, the Columbus Blue Jackets claimed Dubielewicz off waivers.
Dubielewicz started the season in the Continental League in Russia, signing with Ak Bars Kazan before getting released. Under NHL rules, Dubielewicz needed to clear waivers first before joining the Islanders, which Columbus prevented by making a claim Saturday afternoon just hours after he participated in the pregame skate. Before long, Dubielewicz was off to Vancouver join his new team for a road game.
“I have mixed emotions,” Dubielewicz said to reporters before leaving. “Once I signed with the Islanders, my heart was set on being here.
“I’m disappointed, too. At the same time, I’m very thankful he gave me the opportunity to come back here, and I appreciate that.”
Peter Mannino was called up before the Devils game to backup Yann Danis. Rick DiPietro and Joey MacDonald, the top two goalies on the depth chart, are both injured. DiPietro could be placed on Injured Reserve any day and MacDonald is out 2-4 weeks with a groin injury.
Dubielewicz played 20 games for the Islanders last season, going 9-9-1 with a .919 save percentage. The 29-year-old is best known for filling in for an injured DiPietro at the end of the 2005-06 season, when he won his final four starts to help put the Islanders into the Stanley Cup playoffs. He was 11-8-3 for his Russian team before returning to the United States.
Danis turned aside 30 shots against New Jersey but still dropped to 0-5 this season. Blake Comeau scored the only goal in the 3-1 loss to the Devils and said he was surprised Dubielewicz was on the move so quickly.
“It’s part of the game,” Comeau said. “Guys were a little surprised because he was out skating with us, but I don’t think it was in too many guys’ minds when the game came around.”
Dubielewicz has an NHL record of 16-13-1-1 with a 2.55 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. He wasn’t the only player to participate in the Islanders 3-1 loss to the Devils. Future Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan, who signed a one-year deal with New Jersey, did not make his 2008-09 debut. Devils coach Brent Sutter saw his veteran winger sit out a second straight game since agreeing to a contract but could play Monday when the Devils travel to Nashville.
“I really do believe the next step for me is probably playing on Monday night,” Shanahan said. “I’m sure that Brent will ease me into the lineup, fit me in where I can help and use the games to move ahead to the next level.”
No comments:
Post a Comment