The Puck Stops Here

This summer Charles Wang and the New York Islanders hit the news when they signed Rick DiPietro to a 15 year $87.5 million contract. This ill-advised move came after they hired then fired GM Neil Smith after a tenure of 40 days and zero games (and replaced him with a backup goalie). Wang is determined to run the Islanders his way, regardless of how crazy his way might be and regardless of how many people tell him its not a good idea.

So how is it working? Its only a few games into Rick DiPietro's record length contract, but it doesn't look good in the shortterm. So far this year, DiPietro has a lacklustre 0-3 record with a poor 4.53 GAA and a .879 saves percentage. These aren't numbers worthy of a high profile contract like the one he signed.

Mike Dunham was brought in at far less cost ($500,000 over one year) and so far this year has been the better of the two goalies. Dunham has appeared in five games. He has 2 wins, 2 overtime losses and one no decision. He has a very good .939 saves percentage and a 2.21 GAA. Arguably, Dunham has been the best Islander player so far this season.

If I was coaching on Long Island, I would make Dunham my number one goalie as long as he can play this well. I wonder is Charles Wang would allow this or would the owner interfere with day-to-day operations of the franchise by forcing them to play his chosen goalie even if he isn't playing particularly well.