New York Islanders

The ups and downs of Rick DiPietro

In 318 games with the Islanders, Rick DiPietro was 130-136-36 with a 2.87 GAA and .902 save percentage before the team officially placed him on waivers July 2 to buyout his contract. A look at the goaltender's highs and lows in 11 years with the Isles.
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In 318 games with the Islanders, Rick DiPietro was 130-136-36 with a 2.87 GAA and .902 save percentage before the team officially placed him on waivers July 2 to buyout his contract. A look at the goaltender's highs and lows in 11 years with the Isles.

Credit: AP, 2000

June 24, 2000: Isles GM Mike Milbury deals away top goaltending prospect Roberto Luongo and selects DiPietro first overall. |

Credit: AP, 2001

Jan. 27, 2001: At the age of 19, DiPietro makes his NHL debut, a 2-1 loss to the Sabres. DiPietro would go 3-15-1 in his rookie season. |

Credit: AP, 2003

Oct. 11, 2003: Records his first career shutout, a 6-0 win over the Sabres. Goes on to establish himself as the Isles starter with a 23-18-5 record and 2.36 goals-against average. |

Credit: AP

February 2006: In the midst of another solid season as the Isles' No. 1 goaltender, DiPietro is selected as the U.S. Olympic starter in Turin. |

Credit: AP, 2006

Sept. 12, 2006: Signs a 15-year, $67.5-million contract, the longest of its kind in NHL history. |

Credit: David L. Pokress, 2007

March 5, 2007: Sets franchise record with 56 saves in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Rangers. |

Credit: AP, 2007

March 13, 2007: Suffers a concussion against the Canadiens. After another concussion less than a month later, is forced to miss Game 1 of the Isles’ first-round playoff series against the Sabres. |

Credit: AP, 2007

Summer 2007: Has surgery for a torn labrum in his hip, the first surgery of his career. |

Credit: AP, 2007

Nov. 19, 2007: Records his 100th win, a 2-1 victory over the Rangers. |

Credit: AP, 2008

Jan. 26, 2008: After his first All-Star selection, injures his hip in the skills competition. Plays until March, when another surgery ends his season. Also has knee surgery in June. |

Credit: AP, 2008

Jan. 20, 2009: After another knee surgery and a brief return, shut down for the season after playing five games. |

Credit: AP, 2010

March 2, 2010: Placed on injured reserve with swelling in his knee after playing in seven games that season. |

Credit: AP, 2011

Feb. 2, 2011: Challenges Penguins goaltender Brent Johnson to a fight; a punch causes facial fractures and DiPietro misses nearly the remainder of the season after surgery. |

Credit: AP

Feb. 19, 2013: Loses 3-1 to the Senators in Ottawa, his final game with the team. |

Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke

Feb. 22, 2013: Placed on waivers and ultimately sent to AHL Bridgeport, where he finishes out the season. Is not recalled when Bridgeport's season ends to be with the Islanders during their playoff appearance. |

Credit: Getty

July 2, 2013: Islanders officially waive DiPietro in the first step toward buying out his unprecedented 15-year, $67.5-million contract signed just before the 2006-07 season. |