The New York Islanders look to make it three straight wins when they host crosstown rivals, the New York Rangers Saturday night at 7 p.m.
The Islanders have relied on the goaltending of Al Montoya and the playmaking of P.A. Parenteau and John Tavares to get off to a strong start. Montoya has allowed four goals in three games while compiling a 2-1-0 record, and Parenteau and Tavares share the team lead with four points apiece. Tavares scored two goals and added two assists in a 5-1 win Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro was ruled out indefinitely Friday after suffering a concussion in practice Wednesday. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist showed some compassion for DiPietro Friday in an interview with ESPN's Katie Strang.
"Of course you feel for him," Lundqvist said. "In the last couple of years, it's been a lot for him."
"No matter who you are, when you're hurt that much it's really tough mentally to all the time have to start over with rehab and trying to get back into game shape," Lundqvist said.
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