Evgeni Nabokov is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on July 25, 1975, in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, and began his hockey career in Russia before moving to North America to play in the NHL.
Nabokov was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the ninth round of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He spent several years playing in the minor leagues before making his NHL debut in 2000. He quickly established himself as one of the league's top goaltenders, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team in his first season.
Over the course of his career, Nabokov played for several teams, including the Sharks, New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning. He was known for his quick reflexes, strong positioning, and ability to make acrobatic saves. He was also a durable player, appearing in over 600 NHL games and playing in at least 50 games in a season nine times.
Nabokov's best season came in 2007-08 when he led the NHL in wins with 46 and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's top goaltender. He also helped lead the Sharks to the President's Trophy as the NHL's top regular-season team.
In addition to his success in the NHL, Nabokov also represented Russia in international competition. He played in several World Championships and was a member of the Russian team that won the bronze medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Nabokov retired from professional hockey in 2015 after playing one season in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia. He finished his NHL career with a record of 353 wins, 227 losses, and 88 ties, along with a 2.44 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. He also recorded 59 shutouts, which ranks him 18th all-time in NHL history.
Since retiring, Nabokov has worked as a goaltending coach for several NHL teams, including the San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New York Islanders. He has also been involved in youth hockey development, working with young goaltenders to help them improve their skills.
Overall, Evgeni Nabokov had a successful career as a professional hockey goaltender, earning numerous accolades and establishing himself as one of the top players at his position. His quick reflexes, strong positioning, and ability to make acrobatic saves made him a fan favorite and a respected opponent among his peers.
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