Nabokov missed the last 12 games with a groin injury. He served as Kevin Poulin's back-up on Thursday but gets the call tonight. Before he was injured he struggled at times, posting a 5-5-3 record with a 3.30 GAA and .892 SV%. In his first game back he draws a tough matchup against a solid Canadiens team.

Nabokov missed 11 games after he suffered a groin injury on November 16 against the Red Wings. He will serve as Kevin Poulin's backup tonight and could start on Saturday vs. Montreal. He will take over as the team's number-1 goalie and try to stabilize the position that has been in flux since he went down. To make room for him Anders Nilsson was sent back to Bridgeport.

Nabokov was hurt on the first shot of the game in a game against the Red Wings on November 16. He was expected to be out at least four weeks and it has been just over two. Nabby will remain sidelined for a couple more weeks, but his return to the ice positive news because the Isles goaltending has struggled without him.

Nabokov was injured on the first shot of the game on Saturday. Darren Helm whistled a wrester past Nabby on a breakaway and he went down, left the game and did not return. His designation to IR allows the Islanders to recall Anders Nilsson from Birdgeport (AHL).

Ben Scrivens-Los Angeles Kings, G (Owned in 67.4% of ESPN leagues) In place of the injured Jonathan Quick, the King's back-stopper shut out the Devils and Rangers, while allowing only two goals to the Isles. Three straight wins during a brutal East Coast swing for the Kings, so Scrivens has boosted his fantasy stock in a huge way. For all Quick fantasy owners, snag him immediately, but even if you don't own Quick- go get him! For the next 3-6 weeks, he could give you elite fantasy goalie value while playing for one of the upper-tier NHL teams. A no-brainer here. Brayden Schenn- Philadelphia Flyers, C (Owned in 42.1% of ESPN leagues) The Flyer's offense has been surging as of late, so it's time to get your hands on the talented 22-year old while he is in amidst a scoring streak (3G/2A in the last 5 games). True, he doesn't play on the top unit with Claude Giroux, but he has been flourishing on a line with Vincent Lecavalier. With 12 points in 19 games overall, Schenn remains under the radar, but he could provide sneaky production as a 5th or 6th forward option. Alex Burrows- Vancouver Canucks, LW (Owned in 64.9% of ESPN leagues) Ever since returning from a foot injury, the streaky winger has struggled to find his offensive groove with 3 points in 8 games. However, with reports that he will be placed back on the top line with the Sedin twins while Kesler has been shifted back to the second unit, we recommend that you consider taking a gamble on Burrows. He has enjoyed much success in this position before, but has been limited by lack of power-play time. The former 30-goal scorer is worth your look. Alex Goligoski- Dallas Stars, D (Owned in 44.3% of ESPN leagues) There has been definite signs of life from the slumping defenseman, who is coming off a 3-assist game but only had 2 goals and an assist in the previous 17 games. With veteran Sergei Gonchar failing to seize hold of the top power-play quarterback spot with an equally putrid offensive showing in the early going, coach Lindsey Ruff has given Goligoski top minutes after making him a healthy scratch. Considering how solid he was in '12-13 with 27 points in 47 games, don't hesitate to pick him up. This could be a perfect "buy-low" opportunity for a d-man capable of putting up 40+ points. Kevin Poulin- New York Islanders, G ( (Owned in 4.8% of ESPN leagues) With goaltender Evgeni Nabokov suffering a groin injury early in the first period on Saturday night for the Islanders, the 23-year old ...

The coffee is hot, be careful! Did Kris Versteeg hit the lottery or what? Going back to Chicago is a blessing although I just hope he leaves his injury problems behind. He first game back with the Blackhawks looked more like a Panthers game than a Hawks game. Carey Price has lost 5 of last 6 and has some hard luck in some of those. Perhaps a good "buy low" op has arisen. Does Evgeni Nabokov and Nikolai Khabibulin going down with groin injuries last night tell you something? Duchene went down with an oblique injury. Everyone hopes it won't be serious, me included, but it just sounds serious. This year's boy wonder, Ben Bishop, left the game last night with an UBI (upper-body injury). Tough night to be a goaltender in the NHL. JVR scored his 8th and 9th last night. The Leafs need more of that.  It just can't be all Kessel, all the time. Kudos to Rangers G Cam Talbot for notching his first NHL shutout as he blanked the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. No easy feat! Every single Ranger player had a SOG except for D Marc Staal. Where in the world is David Desharnais? Max Pacioretty needs you! Martin Brodeur has turned back the clock winning 4 in a row and 6 of his last 7. I'd never thought I would ever say this, but the Penguins offense stinks of late. If you haven't noticed but the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils are slowly but surely moving up the Conference rankings. Is it me or do the Islanders have the Red Wings' number? Pavel Datysuk jersey is the third best selling NHL jersey. I think that's what I've heard.  He is really amazing.  You too Zetterberg. Steen ain't losing any steam it seems. Do you know who led the Red Wing defensemen in shots on goal in that Islander game? Quincey and Lashoff with 1 each. Brock Nelson had 7 SOG last night. Who?  Put this kid on your watch list.  His name sounds like a tough hockey player.  Semin is the perfect example of those players who play hard only for the money. Got his contract after last year's tremendous season, and now only has like 9 points at the quarter mark.  That's a total of 36 for the year.  Bleeeech! The Nashville Predators scored a week's worth of goals against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. 7 goals!  A miracle in the music city. I'm beginning to like Brandon Pirri more and more. 9 points in 15 games this year for the rookie. I love how David Backes gives you a little bit of everything every night. Shane Doan gets overlooked in almost all fantasy leagues but he is quietly having...

Nabokov left in the first period after giving up a 2-on-0 goal to Darren Helm. Nabby appeared to hurt his groin in an attempt to make a save. He has been replaced by Kevin Poulin.

Nabokov allowed four goals on 28 shots in a loss to the Blue Jackets on November 9. He has struggled lately and yielded some starts to Kevin Poulin. Nabby will face a Red Wings team who have lost five straight, four straight in OT or the shootout.

Islander goalie Kevin Poulin was on the verge of taking a stranglehold on the No. 1 job on Long Island until three young and very talented Kings scored in the 3rd period. Poulin was holding a shutout of Los Angeles until the 3rd period when D Slava Voynov (23-years old) broke the ice and then 7 minutes later 21-year old LW Tanner Pearson scored his 12st NHL goal in his 1st NHL regular season game to knot the score. 21-year old C Tyler Toffoli scored the game-winner with just under a minute and a half left in the game. It was Toffoli's 7th point in 5 games this season. Grab him if you can as he is the real deal.  With Jeff Carter out with an injury, Toffoli will be counted on for his offense.... Kings G Ben Scrivens was good enough for the win, stopping 23 of 25 SOG, as he started in place of injured Jonathan Quick. Quick will miss 4-6 weeks with a groin strain.... Poulin had the game in control until the 3rd, so you may see Evgeni Nabokov back in the crease against Detroit on Saturday. Dallas Star LW Jamie Benn (G, 5A) had a 6-point night and Tyler Seguin (4G, A) had 5-points against Calgary last night as both exploded against the porous Flame goaltending. Christmas came early for those fantasy owners of these two stars as they just had their way all night long.  For Seguin & Benn, that's 12 & 11 points, respectively, in the last 9 games. Don't expect nights like these too often, but it's nice to relish in the moment.....Stars G Kari Lehtonen started his 11th straight game and has gone 7-3-1 in that span. Ride him with confidence. More Fantasy Game Notes: The Tampa Bay Lightning haven't skipped a beat since Superstar Steven Stamkos went down with a broken leg. After beating the Canadiens 2-1 in Montreal, the Bolts returned home to take on the Western Conference-leading Anaheim Ducks.   If you were wondering who was going to step up for the injured Stamkos, you may not have to look any further than Valterri Filppula. Filppula had a 3--point night by scoring 2 goals and an assist.  Now, don't expect him to score like Stamkos, but if this game is any indication, Filppula is up for the challenge. ...The Ducks were without their leader Ryan Getzlaf for a second straight game....The Great Dane Frederik Andersen was sent back to the AHL after Viktor Fasth was re0instated from the IR. Stash the Danish goaltender away if you are in deep keeper leagues as he showed his ability to play at the NHL level....St. Louis put a hurting on the Colorado goaltending by ...

Islander goalie Kevin Poulin was on the verge of taking a stranglehold on the No. 1 job on Long Island until three young and very talented Kings scored in the 3rd period. Poulin was holding a shutout of Los Angeles until the 3rd period when D Slava Voynov (23-years old) broke the ice and then 7 minutes later 21-year old LW Tanner Pearson scored his 12st NHL goal in his 1st NHL regular season game to knot the score. 21-year old C Tyler Toffoli scored the game-winner with just under a minute and a half left in the game. It was Toffoli's 7th point in 5 games this season. Grab him if you can as he is the real deal.  With Jeff Carter out with an injury, Toffoli will be counted on for his offense.... Kings G Ben Scrivens was good enough for the win, stopping 23 of 25 SOG, as he started in place of injured Jonathan Quick. Quick will miss 4-6 weeks with a groin strain.... Poulin had the game in control until the 3rd, so you may see Evgeni Nabokov back in the crease against Detroit on Saturday. Dallas Star LW Jamie Benn (G, 5A) had a 6-point night and Tyler Seguin (4G, A) had 5-points against Calgary last night as both exploded against the porous Flame goaltending. Christmas came early for those fantasy owners of these two stars as they just had their way all night long.  For Seguin & Benn, that's 12 & 11 points, respectively, in the last 9 games. Don't expect nights like these too often, but it's nice to relish in the moment.....Stars G Kari Lehtonen started his 11th straight game and has gone 7-3-1 in that span. Ride him with confidence. More Fantasy Game Notes: The Tampa Bay Lightning haven't skipped a beat since Superstar Steven Stamkos went down with a broken leg. After beating the Canadiens 2-1 in Montreal, the Bolts returned home to take on the Western Conference-leading Anaheim Ducks.   If you were wondering who was going to step up for the injured Stamkos, you may not have to look any further than Valterri Filppula. Filppula had a 3--point night by scoring 2 goals and an assist.  Now, don't expect him to score like Stamkos, but if this game is any indication, Filppula is up for the challenge. ...The Ducks were without their leader Ryan Getzlaf for a second straight game....The Great Dane Frederik Andersen was sent back to the AHL after Viktor Fasth was re0instated from the IR. Stash the Danish goaltender away if you are in deep keeper leagues as he showed his ability to play at the NHL level....St. Louis put a hurting on the Colorado goaltending by ...