For the third year running, Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro has failed to escape injury. On Tuesday, the first overall pick in the 2000 Entry Draft was stored on injured reserve, along with defenseman Mike Mottau. Swelling in the right knee held DiPietro out of action on Saturday against the Phoenix Coyotes and he will be allowed to return after seven days.
Hip surgery effectively ended Mottau's season after he missed ten games with an eye injury. With Christmas looming, you would think Long Island is overdue in receiving some positive news for a change. Instead, they endure two more losses, own the worst record in the league and are repeatedly thrown problems which hinder their chances of progress. Where does it end?
The New York Islanders have experienced enough heartache in 2010 to last them a lifetime, and the campaign isn't even halfway through.
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