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Injured Nabokov: Isles one hard-fought win away from reversing fortunes

New York Islanders v Pittsburgh Penguins - Game Five

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 09: Evgeni Nabokov #20 of the New York Islanders makes a save in against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center on May 9, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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The New York Islanders’ 2013-14 campaign has been a disaster so far. That much is hard to dispute, but the why is open for debate.

New York Islanders captain John Tavares feels the team lacks pride and isn’t doing what it takes to earn wins.

Goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, 38, hasn’t been able to help his teammates lately due to a groin injury, but he’s still in the loop and has a somewhat different theory.

“To me, when the work ethic is not there, then it’s time to speak up,” Nabokov told Newsday.

“It’s not about work ethic here, to me. It’s all a lack of confidence right now. The way we’re playing, if we win one tough game, no matter how we do it, I feel like we’ll get on a roll.”

The Islanders have no shortage of potentially tough games coming up. They suffered a 5-1 loss to the St. Louis last night to kick off a road trip that also involves matches against Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Jose, and Phoenix.

New York has come up short in eight consecutive contests to fall a staggering nine points shy of a postseason spot. They have roughly two-thirds of their schedule left, but already salvaging this campaign is turning into a daunting task.

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