Healthy DiPietro expects 'normal' training camp

For the past three seasons Rick DiPietro has experienced and endured more than most players in the NHL. But after the numerous injuries, surgeries, setbacks and rehabs that have dictated most of his mid-20s, DiPietro has attained something that has been relatively foreign for him in recent years: normalcy.

Unlike previous seasons when he was hindered or limited by injuries, DiPietro is not working on an independent timetable or playing catch-up. Instead, DiPietro was in net and facing shots from teammates Tuesday, gearing up for the start of training camp next week just like everyone else.

"I'm feeling good and it's nice to be back skating with the guys. It's definitely good to get back to some sense of normalcy in my routine compared with the last couple of summers," DiPietro said. "Everything has been good so far and I can't give enough credit to our training staff here."

At this point last summer, DiPietro was still rehabbing his surgically repaired left knee and working one-on-one with goaltending coach Mike Dunham and consultant Sudarshan Maharaj. With a full training camp ahead, the 28-year-old netminder said this year should be easier than last, when he did not make his regular-season debut until January.

"It's tough any time you miss training camp, so this is a good opportunity for me to start fresh and get back to the routine of being a normal goalie," he said.

DiPietro said he has kept in great condition this summer and has been watching game tape to get ready for the upcoming season, one he said he's approaching with optimism.

"We're excited," he said. "We made a lot of great moves this offseason. We've got some great new defensemen and some great experienced young guys coming back. I think everyone's optimistic."

DiPietro and veteran Dwayne Roloson will split the workload, but exactly how their playing time will break down is uncertain.

If healthy, DiPietro will certainly play more than last season, when he was sidelined with knee stiffness after only eight games. But he'll be competing for the No. 1 spot against Roloson, who established himself as the irrefutable starter with his strong play last season.

"I'm not going to put any limitations on it," he said. "My knee feels good and we'll go from there."