Several Islanders upset with goalie situation

ATLANTA - The results of Wednesday's trade deadline did not sit well with at least a few Islanders, multiple sources have confirmed to Newsday.

The Islanders did not move either Dwayne Roloson or Martin Biron despite the organization's long-standing plans to do so, leaving both veteran goalies to deal with the frustrating and uncomfortable situation they've had to endure for the last two months.

Though it was not because of general manager Garth Snow's lack of effort - Snow tried to move Biron but could not - the team's goaltending situation remains unresolved. The team has what it believes to be two NHL starters still in the mix, plus franchise netminder Rick DiPietro on the mend once again but poised to return at some point this season.

"It doesn't play out well at all for anybody," a source said. "It's not in the best interest of anyone on the team, whether it be the players involved, other players or the coaching staff. It's a tough situation for everyone."

Compounding the issue is that DiPietro's status remains unclear. About two months after returning from rehabbing a surgically repaired left knee, DiPietro was placed on injured reserve this week with knee swelling and is out indefinitely.

Snow said he is optimistic that DiPietro will return at some point this season, but the severity of the injury has yet to be determined.

Those unhappy with the current circumstances believe that the organization's efforts to get DiPietro back into the lineup have resulted in a difficult situation for all parties involved.

"If that continues, the organization will never improve," a source said. "Things will only continue to plummet."

A source also said the team's performance has been hindered by the undesirable dynamic of having three goaltenders in play.

"Look at where we were at, we had a playoff spot," said a player who requested anonymity. "Then we went on a losing streak and now we're on the outside looking in."

"You just can't have three goaltenders," another player said. "It's not great for anyone."

The Islanders signed Biron on July 22 with the full intention of trading him for a draft pick at the deadline, and although Snow did focus his efforts Wednesday on trading him, he was unsuccessful.

It is believed that Biron's cap hit of $1.4 million - albeit prorated for the last six weeks of the season - deterred at least one potential suitor.

Snow did receive an offer for Roloson, whom he called his MVP on Wednesday, but not one that was worthy of consideration.

Asked about the discord resulting from Wednesday's inactivity, Snow said last night, "The team comes first, and anyone that doesn't believe that and puts themselves in front of the team . . . that won't be accepted."