"It was an impressive home opener and a fine first NHL win for new Islander coach Scott Gordon.

But it came with a worrisome footnote.

The Islanders soared to a three-goal first-period lead last night and were never truly threatened, earning a 5-2 win over the Blues in their home opener at the Coliseum.

But franchise goalie Rick DiPietro, coming off hip and knee surgery, sat a second straight game - even if he didn't seem too concerned afterward.

"If I wasn't backing up," he said, "there'd be something to talk about."

But this is Rick DiPietro, he of the 15-year contract. He was backing up - and it very much is something for Islander fans to talk about.

Gordon had said DiPietro would be a gametime decision, but ultimately the Isles New York Islanders must have determined that backup Joey MacDonald was the better option.

Gordon insisted DiPietro was "capable" of playing, and added, "Let me tell you, he wants to play."

But the coach also warned, "Ricky could have played all three games and we could be 3-0 and the next thing you know, we head down to Florida [this week] and he's out a month."

An online TSN report said DiPietro's left knee is swollen and has fluid in it, though DiPietro called that "completely false."

He was on skates last night before the game, and there is a chance he could play tomorrow against Buffalo. Whenever he does play, it'll be his first game since March 15. "