DIPIETRO BUYOUT ON THE WAY: According to sources confirmed to TSN, the New York Islanders will waive much-maligned goaltender Rick DiPietro on Tuesday, ending some time of uncertainty whether GM Garth Snow will go the way of a compliance buyout. The saga regarding this ill-fated contract signing, when DiPietro was inked to a 15-year/$67.5 million deal by the Isles in 2006, is finally over, but their goalie situation for the upcoming season is far from resolved. Evgeni Nabokov is unlikely re-signing with the team, which leaves two options for the Islander organization in moving forward: either sign another FA or give backup Kevin Poulin a legit shot at the starting job. read more

Nabokov continues to struggle in the playoffs after having a strong regular season. He allowed for goals on 27 shots in the Game 5, 4-0 loss that puts the Isles on the brink of elimination. It was expected to be a tough series for Nabby but his 4.69 GAA and .847 SV% aren't going to get it done for New York.

Nabokov allowed five goals on 25 shots in a 5-4 overtime loss in Game 3. Nabby has struggled posting a 4.77 GAA and .836 SV% through the first three games of the playoffs. The Isles have given the Penguins all they can handle thus far so some improved play from Nabokov could translate into some wins.

Game 1 was a tough one for Nabokov. He allowed four goals on 15 shots before being pulled in favor of Kevin Poulin. It is not going to get any easier for Nabokov, because Sidney Crosby is back for Game 2.

Nabokov looked like he did in San Jose in 2009-10. He had a fantastic season with the Isles this year. He went 23-11-7 with a 2.50 GAA and .910 SV% and got New York into playoffs for the first time since 2007. It is going to be nearly impossible for the Islanders to get by the Penguins, but it all starts with Nabokov. If he can keep them in games, they have talent upfront that can put the biscuit in the net.

Nabokov has been superb for the Islanders this season and has them in the post-season for the first time since 2007. Nabby has yet to lose in regulation this month, going 7-0-3 with a 2.53 GAA and .913 SV% in 10 starts in April. He has a good matchup vs. the Sabres so he should make for a solid start.

Nabokov hasn't lost in regulation this month (7-0-2). He has a good matchup against the Canes.

Nabokov has won 6 of his last 8 starts.

Like Reimer, Nabokov has been torrid recently. He's 4-0-1 in his last 5 allowing 6 goals over that stretch. Hard to believe this would be a goalie duel on paper but it looks like it is shaping up to be one.

Nabokov hasn't given up more than 2 goals in his last 7 starts and has given up one one goal in 5 of those starts.