New York Islanders: Is Al Montoya the No. 1 Goalie for the Isles?

Coming into the season, many believed that the Isles goaltending situation would be a problem. So far, that has not been the case.

Islander coach Jack Capuano has started Al Montoya in the first two games of the season. This came as a surprise to many because Rick DiPietro was assumed to be the No. 1 goalie with his 15 year contract. But in those two starts, Al Montoya has played a solid game. He kept the team in the opener against the Florida Panthers, giving up only two goals in a 2-0 victory for the Panthers. Still, he played well enough to keep his team in the game, which is all you can ask from a goaltender.

The second start of the season against the Minnesota Wild was even better. Not only did Montoya perform at a higher level, but when his team was out shot 19-5 in the last two periods, he kept all but one shot out.

Now after two very strong starts, the question becomes: who will be named the next starter? Capuano clearly has faith in putting Montoya out there. He's on right now and playing him while he's hot is important. He has shown that he can stop pucks and keep his team in games like he has in the first two games of the season.

Montoya is showing that he can be reliable game after game, something that DiPietro couldn't do last season. The Isles seem serious about making the playoffs this season and to do this they will need to put in the best goaltender night in and night out. Right now, that's Montoya.

It's still early in the year and anything can happen. But by the looks of it, Al Montoya is the starter of the New York Islanders. We'll just have to wait and see if he can continue to play at a high level.