New York Islanders vs Florida Panthers
7:00 PM ET, March 19, 2011
BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida
Lacking hype while playing on the last-place New York Islanders, Michael Grabner is forcing his way into contention for the Calder Trophy.
A more pressing concern for Grabner and the Islanders is Rick DiPietro's latest injury status.
New York may have DiPietro back in net for the first time in six weeks when they try to end an eight-game road losing streak to the Florida Panthers on Saturday night.
The Islanders (27-33-12) lost their sixth straight away from home and dropped to 0-1-2 on this five-game road trip with a 3-2 overtime loss to Carolina on Friday.
Grabner can't be blamed for the defeat, scoring his rookie-best 29th goal and setting up another to give him four goals and three assists in the last eight games.
While overshadowed by several other rookies, Grabner's production is improving his chances to become the first Islander to win the Calder since Bryan Berard was honored as the league's top rookie in 1996-97.
A more pressing concern for Grabner and the Islanders is Rick DiPietro's latest injury status.
New York may have DiPietro back in net for the first time in six weeks when they try to end an eight-game road losing streak to the Florida Panthers on Saturday night.
The Islanders (27-33-12) lost their sixth straight away from home and dropped to 0-1-2 on this five-game road trip with a 3-2 overtime loss to Carolina on Friday.
Grabner can't be blamed for the defeat, scoring his rookie-best 29th goal and setting up another to give him four goals and three assists in the last eight games.
While overshadowed by several other rookies, Grabner's production is improving his chances to become the first Islander to win the Calder since Bryan Berard was honored as the league's top rookie in 1996-97.
Watch New York Islanders vs Florida Panthers Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL
