Nabokov leaves game with groin injury

New York Islanders goaltender Evgeni Nabokov left Thursday night's game against the Montreal Canadiens in the first period with what appeared to be a lower-body injury.

Nabokov went into a butterfly to make a pad stop on a power-play blast from the left circle by Brian Gionta at 7:55 of the opening period, but his right leg splayed awkwardly and he sprawled face-first as the puck went toward the corner. Play was stopped and the 36-year-old was helped off the ice. Rick DiPietro, who hadn't played since Nov. 5, entered the game as his replacement.

MSG Plus reported that Nabokov suffered a groin injury and will be evaluated on Friday.

In addition to DiPietro and Nabokov, the Islanders are also carrying a third goaltender, Al Montoya, who would be eligible to play if DiPietro were injured.

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