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Not a repeat: Rick DiPietro leaves practice early after taking shot in the mask

Atlanta Thrashers v New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 24: Goalie Rick DiPietro #39 of the New York Islanders makes a save during warmups before an NHL hockey game against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Nassau Coliseum on March 24, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

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Brace yourselves for this one everyone: Rick DiPietro left Islanders practice early today after being shaken up by a shot in the mask.

We know, this kind of earth-shattering news might make you stop in your tracks wondering if up is still up and down is still down. Arthur Staple of New York Newsday reports that it was a Brian Rolston slap shot to the head that did the trick for DiPietro this time and that his old school style mask bore the brunt of the blow. DiPietro had to switch to the old mask after he had his lights knocked out by Penguins goalie Brent Johnson last season.

Isles coach Jack Capuano said that DiPietro appeared to be OK. We know how these things go with DiPietro, however.

At some point you have to wonder if DiPietro’s house was built on an old cemetery or if he happened to make his Long Island home in Amityville in a certain horror house there. Fortunately for the Islanders, goaltending depth isn’t a worry this season as Al Montoya has started their first two games this season and looked brilliant all while Evgeni Nabokov waits in the wings as their third goalie.

DiPietro had yet to get in a game this year. We’ll see if this shot to the mask keeps him on the sidelines for any amount of time. In the meantime, DiPietro should avoid black cats, walking under ladders, and getting near any mirrors.