Nabby on the Rise

Posted by Dan Cafiero.

Nabokov coming in clutch as Isles shoot for a playoff spot.

Evgeni Nabokov stops Flyers’ Wayne Simmonds in the shootout (February 7th, 2012)

The New York Islanders have strung together a few wins in their last 10 games (6-2-2) and John Tavares is not the only reason why. The goaltending has been nothing short of remarkable as of late, thanks to Evgeni Nabokov. In his last 9 games, he is 7-2 while stopping 254 of the 266 shots he has faced. That is good for a GAA of 1.33 and a SV% of .955, he also has 2 shutouts to add to these ridiculous numbers. Now for those of you who don’t follow the Islanders as closely as others and think he has had an easy schedule over this hot streak, think again. He beat the Flyers twice in Philadelphia including a 45 save shutout on February 7th and made 41 saves in a 4-1 win on January 19th. He also shutout Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals at the Verizon Center on January 17th and defeated the Detroit Red Wings, stopping 23 of 24 shots in a 5-1 win in mid January.

Nabokov’s confidence is higher than it has been all season and the Islanders need it to be if they are going to have a chance of making the playoffs. With arguably their best defenseman, Travis Hamonic, out for a few weeks with facial injuries, goaltending is going to be crucial for the Isles. They will more than likely stick with the hot goaltender in the coming weeks as they look to continue to make their way up the standings.