"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.

"I've learned quite a bit from watching the games, believe it or not," DiPietro said. "You see the game in a different light. I try to go through game situations in my mind to stay sharp, but an injury like this makes you realize how much you love the sport. Coming to the rink at 6 a.m. doesn't seem like a big deal when you're at home, sitting on the couch with your leg up on ice, watching your teammates play.""