Roloson has fond memories of Minnesota
Photo credit: Getty Images | Dwayne Roloson #30 of the New York Islanders gives up a goal in the third period to Eric Fehr #16 (not pictured) of the Washington Capitals. (November 11, 2009)
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ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota brings back some fond memories for Islanders goaltender Dwayne Roloson. He spent four seasons with the Wild, made many friends, and even witnessed his youngest son's birth as well.
But, Minnesota also holds special meaning in Roloson's career.
"It allowed me to re-establish myself as an NHL goalie," Roloson, 40, said of his tenure with the Wild from 2001-2006 (he spent 2004-05 in Finland).
Before coming to Minnesota, Roloson played only 32 games in two seasons in Buffalo while serving as backup to starter Dominik Hasek and up-and-comer Martin Biron from 1998-2000.
During the 2000-01 season, Roloson played 52 games with the AHL's Worcester IceCats. At age 31, Roloson was at a crossroads in his career. He felt "there really wasn't a light at the end of the tunnel."
"I wasn't sure what was going to happen, whether I was going to retire or keep on going," he said. "Coming here gave me the confidence to keep going."
In 2001 Roloson landed in Minnesota. After sharing netminding duties with Manny Fernandez the next season, he helped lead the Wild to its first playoff appearance, and the team advanced to the Western Conference finals. Roloson also earned his first All-Star selection (2004) and won the Roger Crozier Award for best save percentage (2003, .933) in the NHL.
Roloson - who spent the three seasons before this one as Edmonton's No. 1 goalie - finds himself in a situation with the Islanders similar to the one he faced in Minnesota, sharing the starting goaltending job with Biron. Biron got the call Friday night against the Wild.
"All that made it easier in my life to adapt to any adversity," Roloson said of his Minnesota experience. "It allowed me to grow as a person and as a player."
Roloson has shared the job with Biron and has played well. In his 12 starts this season, he has only one regulation loss, boasting a 6-1-5 overall record and .915 save percentage.
"Rolie worked hard at his game," Wild goaltending coach Bob Mason said about his former player. "We worked on a lot of fundamentals - footwork, mobility, balance, positioning, reading what depth he should be at. He worked hard."
Roloson's attention to those details and dedication to improving his game is what has allowed him to play this long, Mason said.
"He's always had solid fundamentals," said Mason, who still runs a goaltending camp with Roloson for two weeks each summer. "That's why he's still playing at 40. He plays the same game every night. You know what you're going to get. He's consistent."
Notes & quotes: Defenseman Brendan Witt, who missed Monday's game against Boston for personal reasons, rejoined the team but did not play. Coach Scott Gordon said he wanted to give Witt a chance to get his legs back. Andrew MacDonald, who was called up against Boston, took his place in the lineup . . . Rob Schremp and Jeff Tambellini were healthy scratches.
