Nabokov will get a start in goal

WINNIPEG, Canada -- Islanders coach Jack Capuano went back to Al Montoya Tuesday night and the goalie left the game after getting hurt in the second period, replaced by Evgeni Nabokov. Even before the injury, Nabokov would have have started at least one of the two games the Islanders play back to back Thursday and Friday. The Islanders visit the Rangers for the first time this season Thursday night, then host former coach and current Leafs assistant Scott Gordon on Friday before the weekend holiday break.

Montoya made his 10th start in the last 12 games, coming off his first-ever shootout win in four tries.

Nabokov skated Tuesday morning. He played in both meetings against the Rangers at Nassau Coliseum this season, winning 4-2 on Oct. 15 and then losing by the same 4-2 score Nov. 15.

Nabokov started the following game, Nov. 17 against the Canadiens, but left with a groin injury and hasn't played since. He also hasn't won since beating the Rangers in his Islanders debut, losing five consecutive decisions before getting hurt.

Different lines

Mark Eaton remained the lone scratch and Capuano made one swap among his forward lines, moving Nino Niederreiter to the right side of David Ullstrom and Josh Bailey and putting Tim Wallace with Matt Martin and Marty Reasoner.

SEE PHOTOSLong Island in the pros: NHL edition

Niederreiter hasn't played more than 11:21 in any of his seven games this season, which wouldn't seem to help a top-five pick with good skills. But Capuano has his reasons.

"Between the injuries he's had [groin and concussion], he still has a ways to go to get to the conditioning level he needs," Capuano said. "You'll see him get top-six minutes, but he hasn't had time to work on his conditioning level."