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2013-02-23 16:40:00
BUFFALO, N.Y. - New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro has cleared waivers and been assigned to Bridgeport, the team's American Hockey League affiliate.
In announcing the move on Saturday before their game at Buffalo, the Islanders also recalled goalie Kevin Poulin from Bridgeport. Poulin is expected to take over the role of backup behind starter Evgeni Nabokov. Poulin has a 6-6-1 record in 16 career games with the Islanders over the previous two seasons.
DiPietro's demotion is the latest blow to the career of an oft-injured player, who's failed to play up to the 15-year, $67.5 million contract he signed before the 2006-07 season.
This season, DiPietro is 0-3 with a 4.09 goals-against average in three games. There are still eight years at $4.5 million per season remaining on DiPietro's landmark deal.
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This Week - Subscribe NowAll things considered, how would you rate this NHL season?
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“I think when you’re at home the first two games, sometimes you get a little bit too comfortable at home. Then you come on the road, maybe it’s like a rude awakening…We’ve had three series to figure that out, learn it. We definitely want to be better (Monday), especially in the first game on the road.”
- Chicago's Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks are 0-3 in Game 3s this playoff.