The New York Islanders' playoff hopes have suffered a significant blow.

Netminder Rick DiPietro is out indefinitely, suffering from post-concussion syndrome. Sources told TSN DiPietro was not feeling well and did not pass a neuro-psychological exam and will be out of the lineup until he feels better and can pass the test.

The Islanders later released a statement saying DiPietro would not play because he was suffering from headaches.

"After the game on Sunday, Rick told our medical staff that he was suffering from headaches," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow in the statement. "Until Rick is completely recovered, he will not play. As important as these games are, nothing is more important than Rick's health."

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DiPietro suffered the initial injury in a collision with Steve Begin of the Montreal Canadiens on March 13. He missed the next two games and the Islanders lost both, giving up 13 goals in the process. He returned to action on March 20 and played in four games, posting two wins and two overtime losses.





Now, though, he's affected by symptoms from post-concussion syndrome and there's no telling when he'll be back in the lineup.

DiPietro has a 32-19-9 record to go along with five shutouts and a 2.58 goals against average in 62 games with the Islanders this season.

The Islanders made headlines in the off-season when they re-signed DiPietro to a 15-year contract worth $67.5 million. He missed three games this season with groin injury and another with a lower-body injury before suffering the concussion.

Mike Dunham will man the nets for New York until DiPietro returns to the lineup. The Islanders have recalled goaltender Wade Dubielewicz from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League to serve as the backup. In 39 games this season with the Sound Tigers, the 28-year old Dubielewicz is 22-11-5 with a 2.59 GAA and .925 save percentage.

The Islanders also announced on Tuesday that defenceman Freddy Meyer will be out indefinitely with a broken finger. Defenceman Allan Rourke has been recalled from Bridgeport.