PIERRE MCGUIRE'S In the Crease

Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro (knee and hip surgeries) could come back this month, returning Dwayne Roloson to the backup spot and leaving Martin Biron as the odd man out. A solid goalie making $1.4 million, Biron has good trade value; if the Isles deal him for the right top six forward they could be playoff-bound.... One reason for the breakout play (17 points in 15 games) of 22-year-old Stars left wing James Neal(below): center and linemate Brad Richards, who is passing with the accuracy he showed in winning the Conn Smythe Trophy with the Lightning in 2004.... After signing winger Milan Lucic and goalie Tuukka Rask to contract extensions, the goal-starved Bruins should lock up injured center Marc Savard (broken foot). The playmaker, due back next month, can become a free agent in July.

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BOB FRID/ICON SMI (NEAL)