The New York Islanders announced goaltender Rick DiPietro will make his second start of the season when the team faces the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday.
In DiPietro's previous game this season, Jan. 25 against the Boston Bruins, he allowed four goals on 27 shots in a 4-2 loss.
Due to a series of injuries, it will be just the 49th game DiPietro has played in since the start of the 2008-09 season. He's spent this season watching as Evgeni Nabokov has gotten the majority of the playing time.
"I think he's been handling it fine," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. "He obviously hasn't played a lot, but at the same time, he's sharp. He's had a lot of practice time with us now. When you haven't played a lot, obviously practice is what you need. He gave us a chance in Boston, he just got a couple of unlucky bounces."
The loss in Boston was DiPietro’s first appearance since Dec. 3, 2011, when he was injured in a 5-4 victory at Dallas. He's elated at the chance to play.
"This opportunity to feel healthy and practice, and have a chance to come out here and help this team win hockey games is truly a blessing," he said. "I feel good. Hopefully that translates onto the ice."
