DiPietro Out 4-6 Weeks with Broken Face

It went from embarrassing to serious very quickly for Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro, who announced Friday he will miss 4-6 weeks because of numerous facial fractures resulting from a punch he took from Penguins goalie Brent Johnson during Wednesday’s 3-0 loss in Pittsburgh. DiPietro lost the fight to Johnson after that one punch to his cheek.

To watch the fight, click here.

On top of that, there’s swelling again in DiPietro's surgically repaired left knee, which very much puts in jeopardy the rest of the beleaguered netminder’s season.

“It’s unfortunate and frustrating and every other emotion you can throw in there,” DiPietro said at the Coliseum while in street clothes. “You don’t ever want a broken face to be the reason for extra rest, but you keep telling yourself everything happens for a reason. I’m not sure what that reason is yet, but I’m sure at some point it will come to the surface and make when we win the Stanley Cup that much sweeter.”

The original X-rays taken on DiPietro’s face in Pittsburgh came back negative, but upon returning to New York, the CT scan showed multiple fractures.

“I can’t sit here and tell you how long it’s going to take my bones to heal,” DiPietro added, “but I’ll drink a lot of milk and say a lot of prayers and hopefully this thing heals up quick.”

DiPietro has a 7-10-4 record with a 3.36 goals-against average and .890 save percentage in 21 games this season.

I don't even know what to say. I hope he heals quick because Ricky is the nicest guy and deserves better. He works so hard and is the ultimate teammate. Hopefully he comes back in top shape and can stay healthy for the future.