"Backup goalie Nathan Lawson was spectacular in relief in securing his first NHL victory, and John Tavares and Matt Moulson scored two goals each last night as the Islanders beat the Flames, 5-2, for their sixth win in seven games. But it did not come without a cost.

Two days after the Islanders traded veteran netminder Dwayne Roloson to Tampa Bay, goaltender Rick DiPietro went down in the second period with a groin strain. DiPietro's injury doesn't seem to be serious; he said after the game, "It was a little tweak and I'll be back as soon as possible.'' But the worrisome moment revealed a larger issue of concern: General manager Garth Snow took a big risk trading Roloson, especially given DiPietro's injury history.

Islanders coach Jack Capuano said an emergency backup goaltender likely will be called up as a precaution because of the length of this road trip.

When asked if he thinks he will play again on the trip, DiPietro said: "It's how I feel when I wake up, and what the trainers say. Then we'll go from there.''

Powered by two goals each from Tavares and Moulson, the Islanders built a 4-1 lead early in the second period. But they suffered a blow when DiPietro left the game 5:40 into the period.

With the Flames trailing by three goals, DiPietro faced a flurry of shots. After turning aside two straight attempts by Jarome Iginla, he appeared to over-extend himself and was slow to get up, prompting head trainer Garrett Timms to rush onto the ice.

"I don't think a man's body is supposed to bend in those sort of ways,'' DiPietro joked."