Nabokov in net, Hamonic on D, Casey Cizikas to make his NHL debut

Two returning Isles and one brand-new one for tonight's crucial tilt with the Rangers at the Coliseum.

Evgeni Nabokov, who missed three games with the flu, is back in net tonight. Travis Hamonic, who has missed the last nine games after surgery to repair a broken nose and torn septum, is also back, paired with usual D partner Andrew MacDonald.

The newest addition is 21-year-old rookie Casey Cizikas, who will play in place of Josh Bailey (back spasms). Cizikas leads Bridgeport with 44 points and a plus-25 rating, and the 2009 fourth-round pick is ready for his NHL debut.

"On the drive (down), my stomach was turning the whole way," Cizikas said. "What a way to make my debut, against the Rangers, the biggest rivalry around."

Bailey said he took a cross-check to his lower back in St. Louis eight days ago and the injury got progressively worse. He missed the third period of Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Sabres and hasn't skated since.

Martin Biron goes for the Rangers tonight.