DiBenedetto latest Islander to make debut

WASHINGTON - Justin DiBenedetto was the latest Islanders prospect to make his NHL debut last night against Washington.

The feisty Bridgeport forward, who has 15 goals and eight assists in 40 games for the Sound Tigers this season, was called up after center Rob Schremp was claimed off waivers by Atlanta Monday.

"DiBo has played exceptionally well and the reason why is he goes to those gritty, dirty areas," coach Jack Capuano said. "He always attacks the net, he has good hands and a quick shot and he's become a much better skater."

Capuano used the 22-year-old winger on a line with Blake Comeau and Josh Bailey.

DiBenedetto's arrival reunited three former teammates from the OHL's Sarnia Sting. DiBenedetto, Matt Martin and defenseman Mark Katic played for the Sting as Islanders prospects and then together in Bridgeport.

"It's pretty special," Martin said. "Not many teams, not many players can say that. To all end up with the same NHL team and to be up there at the same time, it's pretty remarkable."

DiBenedetto's parents couldn't book a flight out of Toronto but managed to find one out of Buffalo for their son's first NHL game.

"It's exciting," DiBenedetto said. "This is what you dream about all your life."

Konopka stays put

Zenon Konopka is one player who is glad Monday's NHL's trade deadline has passed. With his name bandied about as a likely rental - some reports said a trade sending him to Anaheim was imminent - he received several texts from friends and ex-teammates wishing him luck.

"I'm a person that has been through a lot of different situations, but I underestimated the magnitude of the trade deadline when you're on the hot seat," Konopka said.