NEW YORK – The New York Islanders will be without backup goalie Garth Snow for up to four weeks after the 12-year NHL veteran sprained ligaments in both knees.

The 36-year-old Snow was diagnosed Thursday with medial collateral ligament sprains in both knees. He was injured with 8.5 seconds left in regulation in Wednesday night’s 4-3 overtime win against the Florida Panthers.

Snow is a former University of Maine two-time All-Hockey East selection who is tied with Scott King for the most career wins at the school with 66. He helped lead the Bears to their first NCAA championship in 1992-93.

New York forward Jason Blake, the team’s leading goal scorer with 17, is likely out for both games against Carolina this weekend because of bruised ribs. He was injured in the second period against the Panthers. X-rays were negative.

Snow, filling in for injured regular Rick DiPietro, was injured after stopping Martin Gelinas’ rush. With the puck still loose, Florida forward Nathan Horton and Islanders defenseman Alexei Zhitnik fell onto him as he kneeled and leaned backward. He was helped off the ice after making 36 saves.

Wade Dubielewicz made one save in the third period and two more in overtime to earn his second NHL victory in his first appearance this season, despite seeing only 2:24 of action.

The game marked Snow’s second consecutive start of the season. DiPietro sprained his left knee last Friday at Ottawa and sat out a home loss to Tampa Bay on Monday. Snow is 4-7 with a 3.50 goals-against average in 12 games this season.