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Evgeni Nabokov not likely to get his revenge on San Jose

New York Islanders v Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 27: Evgeni Nabokov #20 of the New York Islanders can’t make the save on a goal by James Neal #18 (not pictured) of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game at Consol Energy Center on October 27, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Penguins defeated the Islanders 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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Ever since the Sharks parted ways with Evgeni Nabokov, we’ve been anxious to see what a rematch against his old team would look like. With the Islanders facing off with San Jose tomorrow night, that time was upon us.

It would be that time, of course, until Nabokov pulled up lame and exhausted against Pittsburgh giving way to Rick DiPietro to get beaten in the shootout. Now Nabokov is dealing with said exhaustion and a potential lower body injury that may keep him out of Saturday’s game.

Losing Nabokov is a shame for the Isles because he was starting to show his old, dominating form that he had as a Shark. Fortunately the Islanders have three goalies they can bank on with Nabokov, DiPietro, and Al Montoya. With Nabokov likely out of the way for Saturday, DiPietro seems the likely candidate to get the call against San Jose.

After so many playoff let downs for the Sharks, there’s no doubt guys like Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau would’ve loved to get their shots in on Nabokov. At least the Islanders should still have that “money on the board” to shoot for. It’s about the little things.