Jayzhockey

UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro sat out Monday night against the New York Rangers due to an undisclosed lower body injury the team said is unrelated to previous ailments.

DiPietro had surgery to fix a knee and a hip during the off-season and didn't play the first four games of the season. While he wasn't ready for action then, he did dress for all the games as the backup to No. 2 goalie Joey MacDonald.

He finally made his first on-ice appearance on Oct. 18 at Florida and started three consecutive games. DiPietro lasted only one period Saturday night at home against Carolina, allowing two goals on 12 shots. One of the goals came directly after he turned over the puck with an ill-advised clearing attempt.

Following the game, the Islanders announced he was pulled because of an injury and not based on his performance. DiPietro was examined by a doctor on Monday, but no details were provided.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS