I was thinking that I could probably tell a story about every player from, say, the mid-1980s through 2001.
And since the Rangers got the day off today (no practice), and don’t play again until Festivus, why not keep telling them?
Well, this one I thought of last week, when the Islanders’ Rick DiPietro gave up a goal off the faceoff, for which he was apparently asleep. DiPietro was looking down at his pads when an opponent fired one over his left shoulder right off a draw from the right dot. The goalie never moved.
DiPietro took no responsibility, hemming and hawing about how he always has time to get set, and that’s what he was doing—as if the linesman dropped the puck too early or something. Very weak stuff (not to mention the jackwagon Mohawk haircut he was wearing).
Anyway, it reminded me of another goalie in another game at Nassau Coliseum.
Mike Richter was looking down during a faceoff, his skates moving back and forth, as a puck was launched past him. Like DiPietro, he obviously was not ready or set for the puck to be dropped and never saw the shot, never reacted to it.
After the game, Richter was more forthcoming that DiPietro, though. That’s the way Richter was. Always took full responsibility for every goal, always believed in accountability. That’s what makes him the credible, admirable person he is.
Anyway, asked what happened on the goal, Richter said he was dancing.
Dancing? Dancing to what?
“I think it was the Chicken Dance,” Richter said.
Everybody laughed, most thinking he was joking.
Sure enough, I went back and watched a tape of the game. Just before the puck was dropped, the P.A. system was playing the Chicken Dance. Richter was actually shuffling his feet to the Chicken Dance. And he admitted it.
Bless him.
26 Comments
New Post! :)
thats why richter is richter and dp is well.. a bust.
CARP! I REMEMBER THAT! I said it when I saw it that it looked like he was bobbing his head and dancing along with the Chicken Dance! I had no idea that he actually was!!!
As always…awesome story, Carp! Richter was the man! Lundqvist is like Richter…that’s what attracts fans the most to athletes i think…honesty
because no matter how great of an athlete you are, if you’re not honest, the fans won’t respect you (see flying balloon lips Cindy)
The chicken dance, really? I’m sure he knows what the Isles fan chant during the slight break between verses in that song. And they also have their bastardized version of “If You’re Happy And You Know It”.
I really wonder if they’re going to have DiPi retire if he can’t get consistently healthy. And maybe still find a way to keep his cap hit on the books so they can count it toward their cap floor like they do with Yashin’s deal. If that’s the case the league should step in and charge them not with cap circumvention but cap inflation and take away their top draft pick that it looks like they’re fully trying to tank to obtain this year.
Great stuff Carpy, keep them coming, at least until game day.
Something ‘The King’ would never admit to, with some of the softies he lets in.
You can’t teach class or integrity.
BlueJay
i don’t think you’re right…
‘The King’ always takes responsibility for soft goals and bad plays.
...he also takes full responsibility for his team when they (forwards and dmen) play like carcillo.
Blue Jay, which King you talking about .. Burger King ?
Great story, Carp! Keep ‘em coming. I don’t remember that one at all.
DP was actually looking at his hips, you know, to make sure he still has ‘em..
The “King” always takes responsibility of his softies.
Burger King doesn’t take responsibility for their weird fries.
CCCP – I guess honesty is the best policy…unless you’re EC.
Anybody see Bret Farve get killed last night?
I wonder if Forsberg was watching that, and thinking that it’s best he just retire already.
Hank prefers to do the Macarena or the Electric Slide while in net.
ddebened
Haha! You think you’re slick! :)
Honesty about your own play…not of your teammates! Let them speak first. Certain honesty better left behind the scenes.
And that’s why Richter will never make it as a politician….
Ya, caught me CCCP. Can’t slip nuttin’ by you. Can you play GT?
Carp- speaking of dances – do you ever hear of the players/coaches/staff talk about or watch or laugh at dancing Larry? Just wondering if he fires up them like he fires up the crowd.
PS—Fire Sather.
Fire Renney, is more like it.
No, never a mention of Larry. Or Dancing Vito. Remember him? Or the Chief.
Bill, you’re probably right. Who wants a politician who is honest, accountable and cares more about the real issues and what’s best for the people than he cares about getting elected?
new post.
HHAHAAAAAA!!
great story Carp!!
nice way to start my day.
took my mind off the sinus pressure
(ugh!)
maybe if i’ll have time i throw another story or two in here for the heckuva it.
fantastic!