"With the Islanders in Carolina, preparing to play yet another game without their franchise goalie tonight, Rick DiPietro was working out at Iceworks in Syosset yesterday, still likely at least a month away from his return to an NHL game.

The 28-year-old is acutely aware that he has become known more for his propensity for getting injured than the fact that he's a former All-Star.

"I have to keep telling myself that I have a lot of years left and not to push too much and put myself in jeopardy," said DiPietro, who is in the fourth year of his 15-year deal and is still recovering from knee surgery after being limited to five games last season. "The one thing that frustrates me is when people say I can't stay healthy. It's not like anyone goes out there and tries to get hurt. It would be one thing -- and I would accept the criticism -- if I came into camp out of shape, fat and lazy, but I consider myself a pretty hard worker and I come into camp in great shape."

Until he does come back -- and that won't be until he can practice and then goes through a two-week conditioning stint with Bridgeport in the AHL -- DiPietro will try to make the most of his time, since he hasn't been in a game since Jan. 2."