[Update: On cue, DiPietro was indeed skating -- a lot -- with the Islanders this morning, and shared some good quotes on how he's feeling and what this road has been like. This situation just got real.]

Mike Fornabaio of the Connecticut Post has a nice write-up on Rick DiPietro's second start of the weekend for AHL Bridgeport. He allowed four goals on 39 shots in a 4-3 loss to Worcester.



Fornabaio reports the Islanders' goalie braintrust, Sudsie and Dunham, were happy with his progress -- and both remarked about the stark contrast between practice mentality and game "every shot matters" mentality.

Fornabaio also said DiPietro faced a lot of quality shots, and certainly looked like a guy who had no trouble with the constant movement required of a 60-minute game with a barrage of shots.

The Islanders are out West for a three-game stint Wednesday through Saturday of this week. Barring an injury setback in the morning, that's two healthy starts for DiPietro in three nights. Which means The Franchise with the 15-year deal is likely headed back to his NHL home. Which means we're now tantalizingly close to a Three Goalies' Company situation to spice up 2010.

Are you ready? Enjoy the ride.