The New York Islander have decided to shut goalie Rick DiPietro down for the season.

Elliott Hershman, the Islanders team orthopedist (We know you know who he is, but we had to say it anyway), said the decision was based on continued swelling in his surgically repaired left knee.

When asked if the injury could be career threatening, Hershman spewed his typical raft of crap.

“At this time, I would say no,” Hershman said in his typically flippant manner that we’ve all be come so accustomed to. “But we need to continue to monitor Rick and get him to where he needs to be.”

Whatever you say, Hersh! When the Islanders get a real team orthopedist, that’s when they will be able to seriously compete.