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Nabokov, Sharks look to shut down Blackhawks

Jan 31, 2009 - 11:28 AM Chicago (26-13-8) at San Jose (36-6-5), 10:30 p.m. EST

SAN JOSE, California (Ticker) -- Evgeni Nabokov was not selected to play in the All-Star Game last weekend, but he is stealing the spotlight in many of the San Jose Sharks' games lately.

Coming off two straight shutouts, the 33-year-old Nabokov looks to help the Sharks extend their winning streak to five games when they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.

The Sharks, who improved to 23-1-2 at home with Thursday's 2-0 win over the Phoenix Coyotes, have earned a point in 35 of their last 39 games overall. Such success can be attributed to Nabokov's prowess.

A two-time All-Star, Nabokov capped the team's latest victory by setting a franchise record of 170 minutes, 10 seconds without surrendering a goal. He broke his own mark of 166:07, which was set from March 2-9, 2007.

Nabokov has started six straight games for the Sharks, who have also won seven of their last eight.

Chicago, which is coming off a 5-2 setback to the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, has been held to two goals or less in five of its last six games.

The Blackhawks earned their only win in the last four contests by defeating the Anaheim Ducks, 3-2, on Wednesday.