This is total BS from Nolan. DiPietro had no business being out that far from the net.

Posted by Blitzen from Cantley, Canada on 03/17/07 at 08:17 PM ET

Nolan is right about goaltenders getting bumped a lot throughout the year. It’s a tactic that is certainly used and perhaps a few more calls could be made in some games.

He’s completely off the deep end about the play with Begin.

Posted by false_cause from DC on 03/18/07 at 12:26 AM ET

What a load of crock by Nolan!

If Begin was HIS player, would you think Nolan would expect him to jump over DiPietro to avoid a collision?

You want your player to remain nearest to the puck until it’s frozen - especially when an open net is at stake.

It was a stupid calculation of the goalie’s part considering what a goal scoring threat Begin is.

Dumb move, and a dumber quote!

Posted by Robert L from Cornwall on 03/18/07 at 02:55 AM ET

So Nolan thinks that no matter where a goaltender is, all other players have to go out of their way to avoid coming close to making any contact? Goaltenders should obviously not be touched while tending goal, but when DiPietro and Begin were both skating toward a loose puck, DiPietro dove at the last second to knock the puck away, and Begin had about a tenth of a second to avoid the collision, I think the Islanders should feel lucky DiPietro didn’t miss the puck, or he would have been called for tripping. I’ve always felt that goaltenders skating away from the goal should be treated just like any other player, and should be allowed to be hit. Injuries shouldn’t be a problem at all for goaltenders in those situations, because they wear more padding than regular skaters. I understand Nolan is biased to his own team, but that was statement was too stupid even for a random fan or blogger. It’s too bad the League can’t fine a coach for being stupid.

Posted by Muero on 03/18/07 at 12:59 PM ET

Typical Nolan.  Looking to blame anyone but himself and his team.  How about holding your own players accountable for their actions, Ted?

Posted by K on 03/18/07 at 01:34 PM ET

Here’s a question from a goaltender for those of you who’ve responded thus far:

If we all agree that a goalie who’s attempting to skate halfway to the blueline is taking his life into his hands--and I agree with you all--what about goaltenders who are simply out of the crease because they’re trying to cut down an angle to stop a shot? 

There are many goaltenders who have no intention of setting “picks” get ran over, but are told that because they were at the top of or outside the crease, they’re fair game.  Is that legal in your opinion?

Posted by George James Malik from South Lyon, MI on 03/18/07 at 08:29 PM ET