Evgeni Nabokov was back on the ice Thursday afternoon at Sharks Ice, participating in his first full practice since suffering a lower-body injury during San Jose's 5-4 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues on Nov. 6. Nabokov, who's spent the last six games watching from the press box as Thomas Greiss backed up Brian Boucher, announced he's ready for action.

"I feel great," Nabokov said, responding to questions about his health and the likelihood of a return Saturday night against the Washington Capitals. "I hope so, but it's not my decision. ... I'm ready to go, that's all I can tell you."

Coming off a career year that saw him tally 46 wins, a 2.14 goals against average, and a Vezina Trophy nomination, Nabokov is eager to get back between the pipes. Not only does he want to help the Sharks improve on their NHL-best 16-3-1 record, he also wants to improve his own lackluster numbers. Nabokov currently holds a 2.71 goals against average and .891 save percentage. He allowed 4+ goals only 13 times last season through 77 games. This year, he's already given up 4+ goals five times through his first 12 games.

If Nabokov does get the start Saturday night, a strong performance might be a little more difficult to come by. Not only has he had a long layoff due to injury, but the Sharks haven't played since Monday night's 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators and have another three-day break before they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday. All the time off might result in a little rust, but San Jose's masked man noted the Sharks will be looking to benefit from the break between games.

"We want to take advantage of that if we can, absolutely," Nabokov said. "We don't have many games to stay sharp, so we have to work hard in practice."

If the layoff doesn't provide a challenge, the high-flying Capitals surely will, led by defending Hart and Art Ross Trophy winner Alexander Ovechkin. Nicklas Backstrom has found his scoring touch after a slow start, and Alexander Semin is expected to return to the lineup tonight against the Los Angeles Kings after missing the last two games with an upper-body injury.

"Their first line is as good as any line in the league," Nabokov said. "Ovechkin, they got a lot from him and he competes a lot."

Nabokov's injury provides a chance to pause for a brief history lesson. Steve Shields started 67 games for the Sharks during the 1999-00 season and he was no slouch, posting a 2.56 goals against average and .911 save percentage. He entered the 2000-01 season as San Jose's starting goaltender, but suffered a sprained ankle on Oct. 12, 2000 and missed the next eight games, providing a window for Nabokov to step up and steal the job. The Kazakhstan native has been the Sharks' starting netminder ever since.

Considering the manner he took over the starting duties, was there any urgency to return to action with backup Brian Boucher playing so well in his absence? Any fears that history might repeat itself?

"I haven't thought about it at all, I just want to get out there when I'm healthy and do what I can do," Nabokov said. "That's for you guys to create, I don't think about it."

rygarner@hotmail.com

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