Evgeni Nabokov has been remarkably consistent in his two-year stint with the Islanders and could be even better now that the Isles are a better team. He posted 2.55 and 2.50 goals against averages and .916 and .917 save percentages the past two campaigns. With the Isles poised to take another step up in their ascent to league dominance, look for Nabokov's numbers to improve as well. A 35-38 win season is not out of reach and we wouldn't be surprised if he shaved his GAA down to 2.40 while maintaining his very fine save percentage numbers.

Evgeni Nabokov wants to play well for the Islanders this season and to earn a spot on Russia's Olympic team. He said what several other NHLers have already stated. Nabokov told R-Sport that "...each of us thinks about playing the first club game and later we will think about the second game -- and then, in February, we will think about the Olympics. Now we have to prove to the coaches that we deserve to play on the national team, and I can only do this with the help of [playing well] with the Islanders. Believe me -- I will not be thinking 24/7 about the Olympics." The Islanders goaltender was invited to Russia's Olympic orientation camp along with Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Semyon Varlamov of the Colorado Avalanche. They were joined by two KHL goaltenders, Konstantin Barulin and Vasily Koshechkin, as well.

Evgeni Nabokov has re-signed with the New York Islanders. He has inked a one-year, $3.25 million deal to remain with the Islanders. Nabokov shouldered the load for the Isles last season and he posted solid numbers. He will be the team's starter again in 2013-14.

According to sources, it looks like Evgeni Nabokov may be heading for free agency. Nabokov told Arthur Staple of New York Newsday that his first choice is still to stay with the Islanders despite a speed bump in negotiations. "We couldn't find the middle ground right now, but I never close the door on anything," said Nabokov. "That's where we're at. I'm still hopeful something will get done."

Newsday's Arthur Staple believes Evgeni Nabokov will likely re-sign with the Islanders before free agency begins but think it's unlikely Brad Boyes will return. Boyes' agent has been talking with the Isles, but it's unknown if there's been any contract between the team and Nabokov's camp since late April. The Isles are unlikely to overpay for either, but Nabokov is the more valuable player after he posted a 23-11-7 record to go along with a 2.50 GAA and a .910 save percentage during the regular season. Boyes' 10 goals and 35 points in 48 games this season were important, but the Isles have several young forward prospects that need a shot at the NHL roster.

Evgeni Nabokov's agent spoke to Islanders GM Garth Snow four weeks ago, according to the veteran goaltender, but there haven't been any contract talks since then. The two sides held conversations on an extension earlier in the season, but those broke off as well. "I think Garth will make his decision," Nabokov said. "I told him I would like to stay, but we were fighting for the playoffs and nothing was going on. Now we have to see." Nabokov posted 23-11-7 record with a 2.50 GAA and a .910 save percentage during the regular season prior to struggling in the playoffs against Pittsburgh's high-powered offense. Coach Jack Capuano praised Nabokov for his body of work over the season though. The 37-year-old goalie will become an unrestricted free agent this summer if a new contract isn't worked out with New York.

Evgeni Nabokov kicked aside 17 of 21 shots as the Islanders were eliminated from the playoffs after their 4-3 overtime loss against the Penguins on Saturday night. Facing a very dangerous offense in this series, Nabokov really was not very good, finishing with a 4.44 goals-against average and .842 save percentage in the playoffs. One could only imagine how the Islanders would've fared -- with the Pens clearly ripe for the taking -- had Nabokov even replicated his regular-season rates of a 2.50 goals-against average and .910 save percentage. Re-signing Nabokov isn't a terrible idea, but it's clear the Islanders need to go out and upgrade at goaltender in order to help them take the next step.

Evgeni Nabokov has been confirmed as the Islanders' starting goaltender for Game 6. "I (have) confidence in Nabokov to go with him. He'll start. There's no surprise. Just move along with him," coach Jack Capuano said. "He's a veteran guy. He's probably harder on himself than anyone else. He knows how he has to play." Nabokov hasn't been able to slow Pittsburgh's offensive attack the series. He has a 4.69 goals-against average and an .847 save percentage in the series and was pulled in Games 1 and 5.

Evgeni Nabokov understands that his play has to be better if the Islanders want to extend their playoff series with Pittsburgh to a seventh game. He was pulled for the second time in the series in Thursday's loss after he allowed four goals on 27 shots. "I have confidence in Nabby," coach Jack Capuano said after the contest. "With the amount of games we've played and minutes we've played, [pulling him] was something we had to think about." Game 6 is slated for Saturday night with the Penguins up 3-2.

Evgeni Nabokov allowed four goals on 27 shots Thursday as the Islanders were shut out in Pittsburgh by a score of 4-0. Nabokov actually hit the showers early, as he was replaced by Kevin Poulin after the Pens scored their fourth marker with about 15 minutes remaining in the third period. He'll certainly be back between the pipes for Game Six.