It’s great to see the Islander’s Franchise Goalie Rick DiPietro back in the saddle after a long recovery. He’ll be wowing them on the Island again with his puckstopping and his ability to move the puck up ice like only Brodeur and Turco can ever do. In fact, in his first game back, DiPietro earned his first assist of the year – putting him ahead of roughly 100 NHL players in the points race!

Rick is healthy and looking forward to his next start – possibly this weekend according to his Twitter feed (@RickDiPietro).

“It was great to be back,” DiPietro told Newsday. “Physically I feel good and I’m looking forward to my next chance to play.”

and on Twitter:

“Expect to see me in goal Saturday night against the Sabers [sic]. Not confirmed yet, but a big chance.”

To get things off to a new start he also has a new lid. It works on the veterans / MIA theme he has had before but Dave Gunnarsson has taken it to a whole new level. Just amazing work. From the composition to the technical excellence of the photorealism, Dave has a master piece on his hands here.  This one tops my list of favourite masks, without a doubt.

The great artwork is courtesy of inGoal Magazine friend Dave Gunnarsson. Check out all of Dave’s great work at DaveArt.com.

Follow him on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook.

(Images copyright and courtesy of Dave Gunarsson, All Rights Reserved)

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2. Steve Valiquette’s 2009-2010 New York Rangers Mask
3. Dan Ellis’ 2009-2010 Nashville Predators Mask
4. Ottawa Senators Goalie Pascal Leclaire’s 2009-2010 Mask
5. Rick DiPietro Interview after his first full practice