Goaltender Rick DiPietro, who last played in the Islanders 6-5 loss to the Rangers one week ago, gets the start tonight in his hometown of Boston, Mass. He will square off against Bruins backup goaltender Tuukka* Rask.
Isles might be dodging a bullet by avoiding the unassailable Tim Thomas, but Rask hasn't been too shabby either. Although he has only one win this season in eight games played, he has a 2.59 GAA and a .926 save percentage.
"These are always tough games when you play a team that is struggling," Rask said after the Bruins morning skate. "You know they're going to come out hard so we've got to be ready."
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Coach Jack Capuano said Jesse Joensuu will play on the first line with Matt Moulson and John Tavares.
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Capuano also said Bruno Gervais, who suffered a fractured cheekbone in a fight with Colin White November 26, is near 100% but it does not appear he will play tonight.
* Hat tip to reader Phil for help with the spelling error!
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