DiPietro to IR?

In the wake of 21-year old forward Matt Martin's two game suspension for his hit to the head of Phoenix Coyotes forward Vernon Fiddler Saturday night, the Islanders have to call up a forward to take his spot. In order to do that they have to place someone on IR and the most likely candidate seems to be franchise goaltender Rick DiPietro, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.

DiPietro has experienced swelling in his knee after earning the first star in the team's 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks last Thursday and has not skated since Saturday. DiPietro would have to miss the next two games - at least - if he's placed on the IR.

A potential call up is Josh Bailey, who has been tearing it up in Bridgeport to the tune of six goals and 11 assists in 11 games with the Sound Tigers. If Bailey were to return, though, it would not be for the two games Martin is out. His return would be for the long haul because the first game he plays upon returning would be his 160th career game, thus the team would have to put him through waivers if they were to send him down again.

UPDATE: Rick DiPietro has been placed on IR. The former first-overall draft pick, who is 4-6-4 with a 3.68 goals-against average this season, is eligible to return after seven days.