Evgeni Nabokov knew this season would require patience, and the veteran goaltender is doing everything he can to put a positive spin on the situation.

The Tampa Bay Lightning recalled 20-year-old netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy from the AHL again Tuesday in order to rest starter Ben Bishop for Wednesday's game against the Buffalo Sabres. Nabokov, 39, has not played since Dec. 19 and is increasingly being relegated to a third-string role in the Lightning's goaltending rotation.

Tampa Bay told Nabokov he would likely cede time to Vasilevskiy when he signed his one-year contract in the offseason. Lightning coach Jon Cooper insists Nabokov is still an important part of the team's goaltending rotation.

"These aren't circumstances where Vasilevskiy is coming in to take a job," Cooper told the Tampa Bay Times. "I guess if his play goes above and beyond, we'd have to re-evaluate. ... So for us to sit here and say, 'Well he's had a couple good starts, all of a sudden he's arrived,' I think we'd be naive to say that. Ben Bishop and Nabokov are our two goaltenders with the Tampa Bay Lightning."

Nabokov understands his place within the organization, even if it is difficult for him to take a back seat sometimes. He calls Vasilevskiy a "great kid" and is trying to stay positive to help the rookie get comfortable with the NHL game.

"I know it's a look in the future," Nabokov said. "It's way beyond this circumstance. Still, you prepare, and you nurture, and you have to do those things. You've got to do it the right way, and I think (the Lightning) did it the right way."

Nabokov has not appeared in fewer than 40 games since his rookie season but has just nine appearances (eight starts) in 2014-15. His save percentage sits at .893 - his lowest total since posting a .885 mark with the San Jose Sharks in 2005-06. He is third among active goaltenders in wins with 353.