Nabokov should get into his first game since November 17th. The veteran starting goalie may have some rust and the Isles will be facing some tough competition in the Leafs, Rangers and Jets. Certainly a risky play.
Considering Poulin's call up is on an emergency basis, expect Nabokov to draw back into the lineup in a matter of days.
With Kevin Poulin still with the club, it doesn't sound like Nabokov will even backup Montoya tonight. Expect the Russian starting goalie to get a few games when he gets back to full strength.
Nabokov should be able to at least backup for the Isles. The veteran sports a 2.83 GAA and .910 SV% but won only one of his eight starts.
Nabokov has been sidelined since November 17th but gets on the ice for the first time since the injury. His return is good timing considering the club has only one healthy netminder at the moment.
Nabokov's injury temporarily eliminates the three-headed monster on Long Island and hurts is trade value. The native of Kazakhstan won only one of his eight starts despite holding a .910 save percentage.
Rick DiPietro was able to replace Nabokov in goal. His injury could help replace the three-headed monster in the Islanders' crease.
Over seven career starts against the Habs, Nabokov holds a 5-2-0 record with a 2.87 GAA and .891 SV%.
In eight career starts against the Rangers, Nabokov holds a 5-3-0 record with a 2.35 GAA and .919 SV%.
In 25 career starts vs. the Canucks, Nabokov holds a 14-6-1-2 record with a 2.26 GAA, .915 SV% and one shutout.
In seven career starts against the Bruins, Nabokov holds a 3-3-1 record with a 2.27 GAA and .917 SV%.
Despite playing all 65 minutes last night it does not sound like Nabokov will get a start this weekend. Stay tuned for a further word on his undisclosed injury.
Over 10 career starts against the Pens, Nabokov holds a 8-2-0 record with a 1.67 GAA, .938 SV% and two shutouts.
Over nine career starts against the Pens, Nabokov sports a 8-1-0 record with a 1.62 GAA, .939 SV% and two shutouts.
Over nine career starts against the Pens, Nabokov sports a 8-1-0 record with a 1.62 GAA, .939 SV% and two shutouts.
In six career starts against the Panthers, Nabokov holds a 4-1-1 record with a 2.31 GAA, .929 SV% and one shutout.
Over seven career starts against the Rangers, Nabokov holds a 4-3-0 record with a 2.40 GAA and .917 SV%.
Nabokov appears committed to playing for the Islanders following last season's controversial waiver claim. The 36-year-old posted a 44-16-10 record with a 2.43 GAA and .922 SV% in his last NHL season, playing goal for a powerhouse San Jose Sharks team.