[SBN Islanders blog - Lighthouse Hockey]
Record: 22-19-8
Scorers: Kyle Okposo (10g, 23a), Matt Moulson (19g, 13a), John Tavares (17g, 14a)
Although the chances of Pittsburgh playing against Rick DiPietro are pretty unlikely, the fact that I can even type his name without using it as the punchline to a joke is the sole reason for his inclusion in the headline. The fabled goaltender and his highly ridiculed, multi-year contract is back in action for the Islanders and so far isn't off to a bad start. Actually it's pretty impressive and unlike anything anyone could have predicted. Healthy for the first time in what feels like years (or perhaps just bionic), DiPietro is 2-0 in two starts, his most recent a shutout win over the Devils last night.
Even though our friends over at Left Wing Lock have Dwayne Roloson etched in as the starter tonight, we can at least consider the notion that before the season is done Pittsburgh will play against DP. Barring an injury of course. In fact, rumor has it he was supposed to save last night's start for today but received the nod against the Devils last minute. Obviously it worked out to his advantage.
In case you haven't checked in on the standings as of late, the Islanders are currently riding a pretty hot streak into Mellon Arena tonight. So far for the month of January the Islanders are 6-1, already tying last month's win total and posting two shutouts along the way. Never mind that they still have seven more games to play to close out the month.
Who are these Islanders, what have they done to the team we all laughed at, and should the Penguins be worried?