Well That Didn’t Work Out, Isles Fall 4-0
December 2nd, 2007 by Tom
There’s nothing like having a top-tier keeper to guide your team through extended stretches of the long NHL season. The Isles have that in Rick DiPietro. The problem is everyone needs a day off sometimes, and unfortunately for those Isles fans in attendance against the Thrashers, last night DP took a vacation day. Enter Wade Dubielewicz, one of the late season heroes last year when the Isles made their playoff push. Last night was Dubie without the magic. The result - four first period goals and a game the Isles never really had a chance to win.
Can’t put the blame on anyone in particular here. It was just Dubie’s second start of the season and just his first appearance since a victory in relief on Al Arbour night on Nov. 3. More than most athletes, goalies need action to stay sharp. A well-rested goalie is rarely a victorious goalie. And you can’t blame DP, cause like I said, the guy needed a night off. And you can’t blame the coaching staff for giving it to him.
If there is any blame, it can be placed on an offense that couldn’t register a single goal. The offensive drought is moving from an interesting storyline to an area of legitimate concern, nearing the epidemic stage. The Isles have now scored two or fewer goals in 12 straight games. You don’t win much when you can’t light the lamp with any consistency and the Isles haven’t, going just 4-8 over that stretch.
