The Man Behind the Mask: Evgeni Nabokov

The NHLHS Man Behind The Mask series is a bi-weekly profile on some of the best goalies in the league to ever wear the “mask”. We hope you enjoy the latest installment of the NHLHS MBTM series.

As a boy growing up I always used my father as a mentor and a figure of how I would expect to excel throughout my life.  For the San Jose Sharks number one goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, the story is exactly the same.

Evgeni Viktorovich Nabokov, born July 25, 1975, natives both Russia as well as Kazakhstan. San Jose Sharks head scout Tim Burke traveled to Russia to watch the play of another player when he was introduced to Nabokov. Burke saw an ad for the netminder and due to the play and history surrounding his father the Sharks took a gamble. A gamble that has paid off immensely.

Nabokov was selected by San Jose in the 1994 Entry Draft (9h round, 219th overall). When he started playing on this continent, he went by John, rather than Evgeni, fearing that English speakers would have a hard time pronouncing his name. However, this change did not last.

Over nine seasons in the NHL, all with the Sharks, Nabokov has become the Sharks leader in nearly every goaltending category, including games played, wins, and shutouts. His accolades include a Calder Memorial Trophy in 2001 as well as two All-Star appearances and Nabokov was voted the best goalkeeper in 2008 by the IIHF after the IIHF World Championships.

He also was a Vezina finalist in 2008 and making a case for a Vezina running this season as well.

A main reason behind Miikka Kiprusoff obtaining the opportunity to be the Flames number one goaltender was part in thanks to the brilliance of Nabokov. The Sharks and Flames were able to reach a deal that would send Kiprusoff to the Flames, stealing the show on a nightly basis in Calgary. The Sharks scout team have an amazing eye for talent.

Although his first professional seasons on North American ice did not fair well, Nabokov bounced back in 1998-99 while playing for the Kentucky Thoroughblades of the American Hockey League. He spent two seasons in the AHL. In 1999-00 he bounced around the organizations affiliates only to wind up with the big club for eleven games. He has not looked back since.

As of this writing the Sharks have a record of 35-10-8 and lead the league as the number one team. Another presidents trophy on the horizon. Although the credit can not rest simply on the play of Nabokov, his numbers this year are simpy amazing.

Nabokov has appeared in 46 games this season posting a record of 30-7-8 with a 2.17 GAA and a .928 save percentage. He has also posted two shutouts this season. A lock to be the starter for Team Russia at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

The only thing that remains at this point is a Stanley Cup.