"After missing over a year of NHL action because of knee and hip problems, Rick DiPietro has been anxious about getting his career back on track - so much so that he fought back tears on the ice Saturday night.

In his return to Nassau Coliseum - and his second start of the season - the Islanders' franchise goalie turned away 31 shots through overtime, then stopped five of eight attempts in the shootout in a 3-2 win over the Northeast Division-leading Sabres.

"I was trying not to cry on the ice," DiPietro said. "That's the one thing I told myself. I wouldn't cry. It's an emotional time for me. It's been a long time coming and it's been a rough road. Just to get the win was amazing."

DiPietro had not won an NHL game since Dec. 26, 2008, when he beat the Maple Leafs 4-1."