Islanders and Sound Tigers Practice Updates: DiPietro Speaks, Sundstrom Skates

In preparation for Thursday's meeting with the Maple Leafs, the Islanders practiced at Nassau Coliseum today, yielding some post-practice updates.

Matt Carkner's groin injury has had a setback -- enough that the Isles updated his status to "out indefinitely" with an injury that first landed him on IR three weeks ago.

They posted some clips on Radek Martinek, with talk from him, Mark Streit, and Jack Capuano:

They also tweeted out some quotes from the morning, including from Capuano on last night:

"Boston probably the best team we've played & our 37 shots were a season-high for them. [But] We need to get more creative in certain areas. [...] We need to be better with our sticks & positioning on D, but offense also needs to get to the tough areas & take away goalie's space."

They didn't tip the hand for who's starting Thursday, but they also posted this from Capuano on Kevin Poulin:

We've given him a lot of work. This is his chance to make it & he needs to adjust to the speed & skill of NHL level.

On that note, from Poulin:

I take things day-to-day. Not trying to put pressure on self, but it's a chance to work hard & show the team what I can do [...] It's fun as a goalie when you're in key situations and have to make those big saves. Being depended on is what you play for...

Will the Isles come to depend on him?

The Isles are in an interesting spot in terms of goals allowed. Their 5-on-5 record is still abysmal (.71 GF/GA ratio), but their team save percentage is part of that. Evgeni Nabokov has stolen one or two -- his shutout over Buffalo was not a theft, but was fine form -- but otherwise has been guilty of giving up one you'd want back most games, including last night. (He made some huge saves in the third, which was either too little too late, or just what the Isles needed as they went for broke in an attempt to tie it.)

Poulin, in his only start so far, was good early but gave up a backbreaker on the tying goal against Carolina. The Isles could use a guy who can carry them for a few games while most of their competitors in the East are also scuffling along.

Speaking of which, an update on the man he replaced...

Bridgeport: Sundstrom Skates, DiPietro Speaks, Jackson Signs

In Bridgeport, Michael Fornabaio has practice updates -- Ty Wishart resting a bump, Johan Sundstrom skating again, plus more -- and he also caught up with Rick DiPietro regarding the approach he'll take in Bridgeport. The mantra from DiPietro's end remains to get game action, but we'll see what time and game play yield.

The Sound Tigers also announced the signing of formerly PTO Dallas Jackson to an AHL deal for the rest of the season. His PTO was due to expire, and the former WHL defenseman has gotten in 11 games since rejoining the team in late December.