PREDATORS at ISLANDERS – Tonight:7:30 – FSN2 (1130 AM)
Mike Dunham knew he’d play in a few games this season. Just not this many. Not this fast.
Dunham was a training-camp invitee and didn’t get a cap flexible, one-year contract until proving he could still play. He accepted the role as Rick DiPietro’s backup, a job that came with the prospect of playing in few games, sitting shotgun for the franchise goalie in this supposed Year of the Rick. But late in the first period tonight against Nashville, Dunham will surpass DiPietro in minutes played.
DiPietro is day-to-day with a groin injury he claimed he aggravated in the first game of the season. He played in two more games out west with before finally sitting.
There’s no telling how long the injury could keep DiPietro in street clothes. But Dunham is undefeated in two consecutive starts and will surpass DiPietro carrying the bulk of the early-season load tonight against Nashville, a team far more dangerous than the misfiring Boston squad the Isles defeated Saturday night.
Dunham, the former Ranger and Devil, has been the Isles’ nicest surprise thus far.
“Mike is really a calming influence,” coach Ted Nolan said, “not only on the ice but in that dressing room.”
The Bruins may have been tired and the Boston power play is in the middle of a blackout, but the Islanders seemed comfortable and less panicky in their own end with Dunham directing traffic.
“Probably because I don’t say anything,” said Dunham, poised to lead the Isles to their first win against Nashville for the first time since Oct. 15, 2002.
“I just go about doing what I need to do and that’s about it. I’m trying to keep things simple out there, and that’s the name of the game.”