The New York Islanders meet Evgeni Nabokov's former team Saturday night at 7 p.m. (MSG Plus), but a lower-body injury is likely to leave the goalie shelved against the San Jose Sharks.
Nabokov played 10 seasons for the Sharks, becoming the franchise's leader in wins, games played and shutouts.
But the 36-year old, who has posted a 2.23 GAA in four starts this season, was removed prior to a shootout period against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday after suffering an injury during the first period.
In his place, coach Jack Capuano called on Rick DiPietro for the goalie's first action of the season. DiPietro stopped two of Pittsburgh's three shootout attempts, but his efforts weren't enough to keep the Islanders from their fourth straight loss.
New York will look to end that skid against the Sharks, who have won four straight games, all on the road. The Sharks have been streaking thanks to the sharp goaltending of Antti Niemi (4-1-0, 2.19 GAA, .917 SV %) and a balanced scoring attack - Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton, Ryane Clowe and Patrick Marleau have all scored between seven and nine points.
Prior to the current four-game losing streak, New York had won three straight. John Tavares leads the team with ten points, but has been stuck on that total for two games.
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