Evgeni Nabokov kicked out 26 of 28 shots in a 2-1 loss to New Jersey. Nabokov allowed a goal in each of the second and third periods. He should put a solid GAA and save percentage this season, but the Islanders figure to be a bubble team at best when it comes to the playoff race and Nabokov consequently can't be counted on to win a ton of games.

The New York Islanders have used five different opening game starters in the last five seasons. Evgeni Nabokov will be the latest. That statistic just highlights the rough time the Islanders have endured with goaltenders over the last several years. Still, Nabokov should be solid in the shortened season.

Look for Evgeni Nabokov to get the start Saturday night against the Devils. The Islanders will likely employ a two-goalie rotation featuring Nabokov and Rick DiPietro. It looks as if Nabby gets the first start but will continue to play only if he does well. "We have two quality goaltenders, so we're going to go with the hot hand," coach Jack Capuano said. "They're both older, experienced guys, they know how their bodies are going to react. For me, we want a guy that's consistent, giving our team a chance to win every night." If you draft Nabokov, you better get DiPietro as insurance.

Evgeni Nabokov "appears likely" to get the start in goal for the Islanders on Saturday, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple. The Islanders' goalie situation is probably one best avoided in fantasy leagues, at least for now. They're not expected to be a very good team and will most likely end up going with the hot man in net. Nabokov was OK (2.55 goals-against average, .913 save percentage in 42 games) last season but he's also 37. Granted, Rick DiPietro has barely played over the past four years, and he wasn't good when he got in last year (3.73 goals-against average and .875 save percentage in eight games).

Evgeni Nabokov (lower body) isn't ready to say that his season is over. "It's not only my decision, but if I can play, I will play," said Nabokov. "If I can be feeling better during this weekend, I think I can be ready." He missed about a month of playing time with a groin injury earlier this season and it believed that he is once again sidelined with a groin problem. The Islanders have already signed goaltender John Grahame to help out while Nabokov is sidelined.

Evgeni Nabokov is being listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury after he was injured in Tuesday's win over Pittsburgh. He missed about a month of action with a groin issue in late November and it is suspected that he may have suffered a minor recurrence of that ailment. However, with so little time left it wouldn't be a stretch to believe that he could be done for the regular season. The Islanders signed John Grahame to a pro-rated, one-year deal to add goaltending depth as a result and he is expected to serve as Al Montoya's backup in the meantime.

Evgeni Nabokov was forced to leave Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Penguins due to a lower-body injury. Nabokov was enjoying a solid game, stopping 30 of 32 shots through two periods, but was replaced by Al Montoya after 40 minutes. Montoya preserved the victory by blocking 21 of 22 shots in the final frame. Nabokov's condition will be updated once more information becomes available, but he should be considered day-to-day until further notice.

Evgeni Nabokov allowed two goals on 37 shots in the Islanders' 3-2 win over Florida Sunday. Fresh off a new one-year contract signed earlier in the week, Nabokov played a strong game against Florida. He should be the starter for most of the team's games the rest of the way.

The New York Islanders have inked Evgeni Nabokov to a one-year contract extension. He will make $2.75 million next year and the deal reportedly does not include a no-movement or no-trade clause. Nabokov has posted a 17-18-3 record with a .912 save percentage, a 2.56 GAA and two shutouts this season.

Evgeni Nabokov allowed two goals on 14 shots in the Islanders' 5-2 win over Toronto Tuesday. Although the game was tied in the third period, the Islanders controlled the play the entire night and Nabokov was hardly tested. Nonetheless, he'll take wins any way he can get them right now.