A real good week for Isles' Mottau

NEWARK - Monday was a big day for Mike Mottau. The 32-year-old defenseman not only signed a two-year, $1.6-million deal with the Islanders but welcomed the birth of his fourth child, Brooke.

Mottau, whose wife went into labor during contract negotiations, said the day was one he'll "always remember."

"The birth of a child is already a wonderful experience," he said. "Then, coupled with getting a job . . . It was quite a thrill."

The Islanders inked the former Devil two days after top defenseman Mark Streit went down with a shoulder injury that likely will sideline him for six months.

Mottau, who finished with two goals and 16 assists in 79 games for New Jersey last season, said he's looking forward to joining his new team.

"This is a great organization with a lot of history," Mottau said before the Islanders' 4-3 preseason loss to the Devils at Prudential Center. "I've been playing against these guys for three years and they're tough to play against. I'm really excited to sign on."

Stepping up in the wake of a serious injury is something Mottau experienced last season with the Devils.

"We went through a similar situation last season when Paul Martin went down," he said. "But if you can be a cohesive group and come together, that makes the loss less of a blow."

After the Islanders signed the 6-foot, 190-pound defenseman, coach Scott Gordon said he received hearty endorsements from two of Mottau's former coaches - Brent Sutter and Boston College's Jerry York.

"He's more appreciated by his own team than on the outside," Gordon said. "I think this is a great situation. He'll bring depth back to our defense."

The first thing on Mottau's agenda when he arrived? He sought new teammate Frans Nielsen to apologize for his hit that sidelined the Danish center for two months in the 2008-09 season.

"You don't ever want to see it happen to anyone," Mottau said after smoothing things out with Nielsen. "He said no hard feelings."

"We hugged it out," Nielsen joked.

Although Mottau did not play against the Devils, he'll face his former team Saturday night in his first game as an Islander.

"It'll be interesting," Mottau said. "I've got a lot of friends over there still, but in this business, you have to learn to turn the page quickly."

Notes & quotes: Rob Schremp left the game with back spasms in the second period and did not return. Matt Moulson scored twice for the Islanders and Doug Weight picked up two assists in his first game of the preseason.