The "M" In Team

The Isles line up looked like this for the first two games of the season:

Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau; Okposo-Nielsen-Grabner; Rolston-Bailey-Comeau; Martin-Reasoner-Pandolfo.

Streit-Staios; MacDonald-Hamonic; Mottau-Eaton

Montoya, DiPietro

***

Aside from still taking too many penalties, the biggest thing I have noticed about the Islanders so far this season is Al Montoya.

Montoya has a 1.53 GAA with a .940 SV% in the first two games with the Islanders for a 1-1 record.  What could you say about his play so soon?

Quietly, He has taken what was a strong preseason performance built from a successful Islander debut last season, and run with it.  He has shown a cool and calm demeanor and has impressed the coaching staff enough to supplant a healthy Rick DiPietro and much anticipated Evgeni Nabokov form the Islander nets.  It was when Nabokov refused to report last year, the Islanders were forced to trade for another Goaltender who turned out to be Montoya. 

The odd man out with the play of Henrik Lundqvist after being a first round pick for the Rangers and what was a marginal minor league existence for the Coyotes San Antonio Rampage, Montoya posted a respectable 2.39 GAA with a .921 SV%, with a record of 9-5 after being acquired last season.  Perhaps it was the continued confidence shown to him by the USA hockey program or maybe it was a coming of age as a pro, but Montoya has flourished so far in the Islanders system under the teaching of Mike Dunham and Sudarshan Maharaj.

Coach Capuano has stated that he will play who he feels will give the team the best chance to win.  With all due respect given to DiPietro and Nabokov, you have to feel good for Al Montoya.  In sports as well as life, we love the rising of the underdog.  We love to hear about how the improbable became reality through hard work and perseverance.  The Islanders are a team on a mission preaching the commitment mantra.

Is the unlikely 3^rd goalie the one who will help rebuild the franchise over the others?  Only time will tell.  But in the meantime, enjoy the ride and believe in each member of the team.