Islanders goalie DiPietro out for season with hip injury
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Goaltender Rick DiPietro will miss the rest of the New York Islanders season because of hip surgery.
The operation was scheduled for Wednesday in Vail, Colo.
DiPietro is finishing the second season of a landmark 15-year contract. This marks the second straight year that the team's 26-year-old goalie needs hip surgery. The left one was operated on after last season's playoffs; now the right one needs repair.
DiPietro was injured during the All-Star skills competition in January and has played through the pain since. The Islanders said he is expected to make a full recovery in time for next season's training camp.
''Rick wanted badly to be with his team until the end of the season, but this decision was made with his best long-term interests in mind,'' Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a statement. ''Rick took his game to even greater heights this season, deservedly being named a National Hockey League All-Star for the first time in his career.
''He gave everything he had to the Islanders and our fans this season and was a warrior all the way through. By having the surgery immediately, Rick will have plenty of time to be at 100 percent long before the start of Islanders training camp in September.''
Just like last year's operation, the procedure will be performed by hip specialist Dr. Marc Philippon. He recently operated on DiPietro's teammate Mike Sillinger as well as Snow, a former NHL goalie.
The decision for DiPietro to have surgery was made after he had an MRI exam on Tuesday. Wade Dubielewicz made the start for the Islanders that night and took the 3-1 loss. New York has only eight games left and is a long shot to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
DiPietro is 26-28-7 in 63 games this season with a 2.82 goals-against average, a .902 save percentage and three shutouts.
He was injured during a breakaway drill when he tried to stop Minnesota's Marian Gaborik. DiPietro played in the All-Star game the following day, but has struggled since.
DiPietro, who has also dealt with concussions that sidelined him for the Islanders' playoff drive in the final week of last season, is 7-12 with a 3.38 GAA in 19 starts since the All-Star break.
In his final eight starts of the season, DiPietro went 1-7 and allowed at least three goals in every outing. He was touched for four goals five times, including an appearance last week in which Tampa Bay scored eight on 44 shots.
Hockey Today
Colorado at Calgary (9 p.m. EDT). The Avalanche and Flames are tied with 84 points, but Calgary has a game in hand.
STARS
-Thomas Vanek and Jochen Hecht, Sabres. Vanek scored three consecutive goals and Hecht scored twice during Buffalo's six-goal third period, capping the 7-4 comeback victory over Tampa Bay.
-Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings, scored three goals in the third period to lift Detroit to a 3-1 win over Columbus.
-Chris Drury and Nigel Dawes, Rangers. Drury tied the game with 4:46 left in regulation, and Dawes had the only goal in the shootout to give New York a 2-1 victory at New Jersey.
-Jeremy Roenick, Sharks, scored his 507th career goal and added the decisive shootout score as San Jose topped Anaheim 4-3.
-Todd Bertuzzi, Ducks, scored the tiebreaking goal on the power play with 27.2 seconds and Anaheim outlasted Dallas 2-1.
SHARK BITES
San Jose became the second team to clinch a playoff spot by virtue of its 4-3 shootout win over Minnesota on Wednesday night. The Sharks have beaten the Wild seven straight times and have 27 points in 14 games overall since Feb. 21.
COMEBACK KIDS
Buffalo overcame a 4-1 deficit against Tampa Bay by scoring six unanswered goals in the third period for a 7-4 victory on Wednesday night. It was their third come-from-behind win over the Lightning this season. Buffalo rallied from a pair of two-goal deficits, including a 4-3 overtime win on Feb. 20.
BROKEN
Minnesota Wild defenseman Kurtis Foster left the Shark Tank ice on a stretcher Wednesday night with a broken left leg after running into the boards in a collision with San Jose rookie Torrey Mitchell.
ONE-SIDED
The New York Rangers improved to 6-0 against New Jersey this season by rallying for a 2-1 shootout win on Wednesday night. The Rangers have held the Devils to five goals in the process and winning three times after regulation.
ZETTER ALL BETTER
Henrik Zetterberg scored all of Detroit's goals during the third period of Wednesday night's 3-1 win over Columbus. He had gone seven games without a goal and only had one in his past 11.
THANKS, TONY!
The Chicago Blackhawks honored Hall of Fame goalie Tony Esposito in a pre-game ceremony on Wednesday night. Esposito, who played in 873 games for the Blackhawks from 1969 to 1984, posting a team-record 418 wins and 74 shutouts. His jersey number, 35, is one of five retired by Chicago. Esposito, selected an ``ambassador'' by the Blackhawks earlier this season, was joined by his older brother and Hall of Fame forward, Phil, during the ceremony.
SURGERY
Goaltender Rick DiPietro will miss the rest of the New York Islanders season because of hip surgery. The operation was scheduled for Wednesday in Vail, Colo. DiPietro is finishing the second season of a landmark 15-year contract. This marks the second straight year that the team's 26-year-old goalie needs hip surgery. The left one was operated on after last season's playoffs; now the right one needs repair.
ONE STEP CLOSER
The new owners of the Nashville Predators are close to final approval on a revised lease agreement for their arena that has Nashville taxpayers helping subsidize the team. The Metro Sports Authority approved the new lease by a vote of 7-1 Tuesday, and the Metro Council is expected to vote on the lease April 1 with only a simple majority needed for approval.
SPEAKING
``You can write the same story as the last time we were here: Third-period collapse. It's a bad feeling.'' - Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis after the Lightning blew a 4-1 lead by allowing six third-period goals in a 7-4 loss at Buffalo on Wednesday night.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins
- The fans at TD Banknorth Garden will be treated to a game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins when they take their seats on Thursday.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Canadiens lost 4-3 in a shootout to the Blues last time out, as -220 favorites at home. The combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Chris Higgins, Saku Koivu and Mikhail Grabovski scored in the loss.
The Bruins lost to Washington 2-1 in a shootout as a +170 underdog on Sunday. The three goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Chuck Kobasew scored for Boston, while Alex Auld stopped 32-of-33 shots in the loss.
Team records:
Montreal: 40-24-10
Boston: 37-27-9
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 9-1
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing St. Louis are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Montreal is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Montreal
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Boston at Montreal, Saturday, March 22
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers
- If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Thursday when the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers meet at BankAtlantic Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Cam Ward made 31 saves to help the Hurricanes get past the Thrashers 5-3, as -170 favorites. The eight goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Trevor Letowski, Sergei Samsonov, Eric Staal, Joe Jensen and Erik Cole scored for the Hurricanes.
The Panthers defeated Florida 3-1 as a -220 favorite last time out. The four goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Olli Jokinen had a goal and an assist for Florida, while Radek Dvorak and Rostislav Olesz also scored in the win.
Current streak:
Carolina has won 2 straight games.
Florida has won 7 straight games.
Team records:
Carolina: 40-30-5
Florida: 35-31-8
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a win are 7-3
Florida most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Carolina is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Carolina is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Florida
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Carolina's last 10 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Florida's last 10 games when playing at home against Carolina
Next up:
Carolina home to Washington, Tuesday, March 25
Florida home to Tampa Bay, Saturday, March 22
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
- The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Mellon Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Lightning allowed six goals in the third period of Wednesday's 7-4 loss to the Sabres, as +180 underdogs. The 11 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Vincent Lecavalier scored twice for the Lightning, while Jeff Halpern and Martin St. Louis scored singles in the loss.
The Penguins fell 5-2 to the Rangers last time out, as +120 underdogs. The seven goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jarkko Ruutu and Jordan Staal scored for the Penguins. Ty Conklin made 25 saves in the loss.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 29-36-8
Pittsburgh: 41-25-7
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing St. Louis are 3-7
After playing Buffalo are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 3-7
After playing NY Rangers are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games at home
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Tampa Bay at Florida, Saturday, March 22
Pittsburgh home to New Jersey, Saturday, March 22
St. Louis Blues vs. Ottawa Senators
- The St. Louis Blues and the Ottawa Senators will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Scotiabank Place.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Brad Boyes scored a goal and added the shootout winner on Tuesday, as the Blues defeated the Canadiens 4-3. The Blues won the game as +180 underdogs, while the combined score made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
Keith Tkachuk and Andy McDonald had the other Blues goals in regulation. Manny Legace made 27 saves in the win.
The Senators lost to Carolina 5-1 as a -140 favorite last time out. The six goals scored caused this game to be a PUSH on the posted over/under total (6).
Dany Heatley scored Ottawa's lone goal, while Martin Gerber stopped 27 of the 32 shots he faced.
Team records:
St. Louis: 30-32-11
Ottawa: 40-26-7
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Montreal are 8-2
After a win are 5-5
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Carolina are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Ottawa's last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 8 games when playing St. Louis
Next up:
St. Louis at Chicago, Sunday, March 23
Ottawa home to Toronto, Saturday, March 22
Detroit Red Wings vs. Nashville Predators
- The division rival Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators are set to renew hostilities on Thursday when they meet at Sommet Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Henrik Zetterberg scored a natural hat trick in the third period on Wednesday, as the Red Wings defeated the Blue Jackets 3-1. The Red Wings won the game as -300 favorites, while the four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Chris Osgood stopped 22-of-23 shots in the win.
The Predators were doubled 4-2 by the Capitals last time out, as -130 favorites at home. The six goals made it OVER the posted over/under (5.5).
J.P. Dumont and Jason Arnott scored for the Predators.
Team records:
Detroit: 48-20-6
Nashville: 36-30-8
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Edmonton are 5-5
After playing Columbus are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
Nashville most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Minnesota are 7-3
After playing Washington are 3-3-1
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Nashville
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Nashville
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games
Nashville is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Detroit
Nashville is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Detroit at Columbus, Saturday, March 22
Nashville home to Chicago, Saturday, March 22
Colorado Avalanche vs. Calgary Flames
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Thursday when the Colorado Avalanche and the Calgary Flames meet at Pengrowth Saddledome.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Avalanche fell 3-1 to the Wild last time out, as +105 road underdogs. The four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5).
Joe Sakic replied on the power play for the lone Avalanche marker.
The Flames were shut out 3-0 by the Blue Jackets last time out, as -130 favorites on the road. The three goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 32-of-35 shots in the loss.
Current streak:
Colorado has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Colorado: 39-29-6
Calgary: 37-26-10
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Columbus are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing Calgary
Colorado is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Calgary's last 12 games
Calgary is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Colorado at Edmonton, Saturday, March 22
Calgary home to Minnesota, Saturday, March 22
Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers
- The fans at Rexall Place will be treated to a game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers when they take their seats on Thursday.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Henrik Sedin scored twice and Daniel Sedin had a pair of assists to lead the Canucks to a 3-1 victory over the Coyotes last time out, as -150 favorites. The four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5).
Taylor Pyatt had the other Canucks goal on the power play. Sami Salo and Kevin Bieksa also had a pair of assists in the win. Roberto Luongo kicked away 25 shots for his 33rd victory.
The Oilers scored four times in the third period on Tuesday, as they took down the Coyotes 8-4. The Oilers won the game as -130 favorites. While the combined 12 goals sailed over the posted total of -130.
Curtis Glencross scored twice, while singles came from Tom Gilbert, Sam Gagner, Robert Nilsson, Kyle Brodziak, Dustin Penner and Jarret Stoll.
Current streak:
Vancouver has won 2 straight games.
Edmonton has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Vancouver: 37-26-10
Edmonton: 37-32-5
Vancouver most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 9-1
Before playing San Jose are 5-5
After playing Phoenix are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Phoenix are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Vancouver is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Edmonton
Vancouver is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Vancouver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games at home
Edmonton is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
Edmonton is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games
Next up:
Vancouver home to Minnesota, Friday, March 21
Edmonton home to Colorado, Saturday, March 22
Los Angeles Kings vs. Phoenix Coyotes
- The Los Angeles Kings and the Phoenix Coyotes will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Jobing.com Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Kings lost 2-1 to the Sharks last time out, as +155 underdogs at home. The three goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Lubomir Visnovsky scored the lone goal for the Kings.
The Coyotes lost 8-4 to the Oilers last time out, as +110 road underdogs. The combined 12 goals sailed over the posted total of -130.
Shane Doan, Derek Morris, Daniel Winnik and Peter Mueller scored for the Coyotes.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Phoenix has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 28-40-6
Phoenix: 36-33-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-5-2
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing San Jose are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-4-1
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Edmonton are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 9 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Los Angeles's last 13 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Phoenix's last 9 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 13 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Next up:
Los Angeles at Dallas, Saturday, March 22
Phoenix home to Anaheim, Saturday, March 22
Trend Sheet
MONTREAL vs. BOSTON
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Montreal is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
CAROLINA vs. FLORIDA
Carolina is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Florida's last 10 games when playing at home against Carolina
ST. LOUIS vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
St. Louis is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Ottawa's last 16 games
TAMPA BAY vs. PITTSBURGH
Tampa Bay is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
DETROIT vs. NASHVILLE
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Nashville is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 7 games when playing Detroit
COLORADO vs. CALGARY
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Colorado is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games at home
LOS ANGELES vs. PHOENIX
Los Angeles is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 8 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 13 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
VANCOUVER vs. EDMONTON
Vancouver is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Edmonton
Vancouver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Edmonton is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games at home