Sharks await word on Nabokov injury

The NHL leading San Jose Sharks are awaiting word about the severity of an injury to goalie Evengi Nabakov.  Nabakov suffered what is likely a strained groin muscle or a possible knee injury in a shootout victory over St. Louis on Thursday night though the team is officially calling it a ‘lower body injury’.

Nabakov appeared to suffer the injury on the final shot of the shootout as he made a pad save on the Blues’ Patrik Bergland.  It looked as if he’d overextended his legs on the final stop, after which he got up slowly and left the ice in obvious pain.  Nabakov didn’t practice with the team on Friday and sought unspecified medical attention to evaluate the severity of the injury.

The good news for San Jose is that they’ve got an excellent backup in veteran Brian Boucher.  Boucher, who has played for a number of teams including Phoenix and Philadelphia during an eight year NHL career, has started two games in relief of Nabakov this season—both shutouts.  He’ll get the start on Saturday night as the Sharks host the Dallas Stars.  The team recalled goaltender Thomas Greiss from Worcester of the AHL to serve as Boucher’s backup should Nabakov’s injury result in a significant amount of missed playing time.

The Sharks 12-2 start is a franchise best and they’re a perfect 8-0 at home.  Nabakov has been between the pipes for 10 of those victories leading the NHL.  His statistics haven’t been overwhelming—a 2.72 goals against average and a save percentage of .891—but he’s been able to do what is needed of him to help the Sharks win.  Hopefully Boucher can do the same should Nabakov be out for a significant length of time.