Evgeni Nabokov left the Islanders-Stars game in the first period with an injury.

Evgeni Nabokov allowed three goals on 30 shots in the Islanders' 3-2 setback versus the Hurricanes on Saturday night. Even though he still has just a 2.86 goals-against average and .905 save percentage, Nabokov has been pretty good over his last five games, posting plus-.920 save percentages in four of the five games.

The return of goaltender Evgeni Nabokov is the major reason the Islanders have played better of late. The Islanders are 5-2-2 since Nabokov returned from a groin injury and he has been between the pipes for all but one of the games. "He's a big reason we got to the playoffs last year," coach Jack Capuano said, "And you look at this year, you know, he's a veteran. We don't have many guys who have the experience he does. He knows what to say, when to say it. And then, on the ice, he's very vocal. He's constantly talking to our [defensemen] and he's much better at playing the puck than people give him credit for, getting that transition up the ice. And he handles his rebounds very well." Nabokov is 9-7-5 this season with a 2.98 GAA and a .906 save percentage but he has been 4-2-2 since his return while giving up 17 goals on 240 shots.

Evgeni Nabokov was sharp in goal for the Islanders in Thursday's 3-2 overtime win against Chicago. The win was the third in four starts for the Russian net minder, whose record improves to 9-7-5. His GAA is 2.98 while save percentage is .906.

Evgeni Nabokov stopped 35 out of 38 shots as the New York Islanders beat the Boston Bruins 5-3 on Tuesday. He's been looking more like a go-to goalie in December, going 3-2-2 with a .925 save percentage and 2.12 GAA in that specific span of seven games. If nothing else, he's worth following if you're looking for a goaltending boost.

Evgeni Nabokov kicked away 23 shots in the Islanders' 2-1 loss to the Devils on Saturday night. Navokov has now alternated wins and losses in each of his last four games. He might provide some more stability for the Isles, but that's not saying much and he's not worth rostering in fantasy leagues. He has a 2.88 goals-against average and .902 save percentage ... and he plays on a team with just 11 wins.

Evgeni Nabokov allowed four goals to the Ducks in the Islanders' 5-3 loss Saturday night. The veteran netminder made 26 saves. But it's another night, another blown third-period lead for the Islanders, who were up 3-1 entering the final frame. Newsday's Arthur Staple says it's the team's 10th blown third-period lead on the season. Nabokov has a 3.09 goals-against average and .897 save percentage.

Evgeni Nabokov made 21 saves on 24 shots to secure a 5-3 victory over the Rangers Friday night. Nabokov improves his record to 6-5-5 with a .898 save percentage and 3.04 goals against average.

Evgeni Nabokov will get the nod for the New York Islanders on Friday. It will be Nabokov's third straight start. He has a 3.04 GAA and .900 save percentage in 16 games this season.

Evgeni Nabokov made 32 saves in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. Nabokov posted a .944 save percentage in the defeat and has lost both games in extra time since returning from an injury Sunday against Montreal. He might help the flailing New York Islanders gain some stability this season.