Question Mark or Strength?

Barclay Poole
Aug 13, 2001

To say the New York Islanders are a rejuvenated franchise would be an understatement. Gone are the days of a shoestring budget, semi-pro rosters and dwindling fan interest. The addition of superstar centermen Alexei Yashin and Michael Peca have filled out what appears to be a very solid roster. But hopes of entering the playoffs for the first time in 8 years and possibly making a run will hinge on one key area that remains a question mark - goaltending.

Barring a late move before training camp, an established number one goalie will not be found on the Islanders roster. Off-season pick up Garth Snow will enter play as the only Islander goalie with legitimate NHL experience, over 240 games. His play has been solid (a career Goals Against Average of 2.82), but experience with 4 NHL teams has failed to win him a number one job. The Islanders hope his fifth try will be a charm.

The remaining goaltending candidates are even bigger question marks than Snow, but may have a much larger upside. Rick Dipietro, the first overall choice of the 2000 entry draft, showed flashes of brilliance last year in 20 games with the Islanders. However, his inexperience and youthful age of 19 were taken advantage of by opposing clubs more often than not. DiPietro's glove speed, aggressive play and tremendous stickhandling ability should have Islander fans on the edge of their seats for years to come. But he is a long-term solution and may be better served with more time in the minors before being asked to carry this team on his back. Training camp will be of great importance to DiPietro.

The biggest surprise of all may come from 2001 draftee and 29 year old Czech Republic goaltender Dusan Salficky. Remember the sudden emergence of Roman Czechmanek last year of the Flyers? Mike Milbury would love a similar story to unfold on the Island. Salficky, after being taken in the 6th round, was thought by many to be the best goaltender in the Czech Republic. Milbury showed a great deal of confidence in Salificky's ability by signing him to a one way contract, meaning he'll be paid at NHL standards no matter where he plays. Like Dipietro, Salficky is a question mark with a strong upside.

All kinds of scenarios are possible as to who will be the Islanders netminders this year. Dipietro will most likely be the fans' choice to step in and be a hero should he have a good training camp. Islander management however may have other ideas and would probably prefer strong outings from the veteran Snow and more experienced Salficky. With Chris Osgood still on the table in Detroit, a deal is also a possibility but not likely due to his salary and what would have to be given up to obtain him. The Islanders also own the first overall pick in the upcoming waiver draft, which gives them a possibility to bring another body in.

The Islanders may not have a Vezina Trophy candidate in their arsenal (yet) but let's keep this problem in perspective. For years, Islander teams have been filled with gaping holes at forward, defense and goal. It is quite refreshing that the organization looks strong from top to bottom, with the only question mark being one that could possibly blossom into a strength with young Rick DiPietro.

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