Islanders demote Lawson, Joensuu
The Islanders sent goaltender Nathan Lawson back to Bridgeport after he posted a 4.62 GAA in five games. (Jan. 13, 2011) Credit: Jim McIsaac
Goalie Nathan Lawson and forward Jesse Joensuu were returned to Bridgeport Tuesday in the Islanders' latest player shuttle between the parent club and its AHL affiliate.
The move leaves the goaltending duties, at least for the time being, to oft-injured veteran Rick DiPietro and 20-year-old rookie Kevin Poulin.
Both DiPietro and Poulin participated in a goalie-specific practice session Tuesday, a day after DiPietro didn't dress for the team's 5-2 loss to New Jersey. DiPietro also was held out of practice on Sunday following his return from a groin strain on Saturday, a 5-3 victory over Buffalo.
Only seven skaters joined the goalies on the ice for the limited workout conducted by goalie coach Mike Dunham.
Lawson leaves after appearing in five games, during which he compiled a 0-3-1 record and 4.62 goals-against average. DiPietro and Poulin have played a total of 22 games - DiPietro is 7-6-4, 3.43; Poulin 1-1-1, 2.87 in five games. Dwayne Roloson appeared in 20 games (6-13-1, 2.64) before he was traded to Tampa Bay on Jan. 1.
Joensuu, the 23-year-old Finn repeatedly called up from Bridgeport for brief stints with the Islanders, played 23 NHL games this season, scoring three goals and adding one assist. He played a total of 18 games with the Islanders the previous two seasons.
Thursday night's home game against Washington will be the first of five games in seven nights for the Islanders (14-23-7).
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