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Islanders await word on G DiPietro's health

Oct 16, 2006 - 2:32 PM Nashville (1-3-0) at NY Islanders (2-3-0) 7:30 pm EDT

UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) -- Backup goaltender Mike Dunham has been playing well for the New York Islanders. Starting netminder Rick DiPietro, who is listed as day-to-day, was not before suffering a groin injury.

The Islanders might not know who their starting goalie will be until right up to gametime as they host the Nashville Predators on Monday in the second game of a seven-game homestand.

While DiPietro (0-3-0, 4.54 goals-against average, .879 save percentage) has obviously struggled, Dunham has been solid in a replacement role.

Dunham has stopped 89-of-94 shots, and made 31 saves in New York's 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Saturday. Jason Blake led the Islanders with two goals and an assist while Tom Poti and Mike Sillinger also tallied.

Nashville comes off a 4-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday. Paul Kariya led the Predators with a goal and an assist while Martin Erat and Ryan Suter scored the other Predator goals.

Goaltender Tomas Vokoun made 29 saves for the Predators, who went 1-for-5 on the power play. Vokoun had allowed 13 goals in his first two starts.