New York Islanders activate G Nabokov, D Visnovsky from injured list before game vs. Bruins

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - The New York Islanders got good news before facing the Boston Bruins as top goalie Evgeni Nabokov and defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky were both activated from the injured list.

Nabokov was tabbed to be the backup to Kevin Poulin on Monday night, but Visnovsky was in the lineup for the first time since Oct. 19 when he sustained a concussion against Carolina. He has one goal and two assists in eight games this season.

Nabokov is returning from his second groin injury of the season. The 38-year-old goalie got hurt against Dallas on Jan. 6 and has missed the previous 10 games. Nabokov sat out 11 games following his initial injury, sustained Nov. 16 against Detroit.

Nabokov, who could start Wednesday night outdoors at Yankee Stadium when the Islanders take on the New York Rangers, went 4-3-2 in starting 10 of the 11 games between his injuries. He is 9-8-5 with a 2.88 goals-against average overall in 24 games this season.

The Islanders sent defenceman Matt Donovan and goalie Anders Nilsson down to Bridgeport of the AHL.