On Monday the San Jose Sharks recalled goaltender Yaroslav Askarov from San Jose Barracuda (AHL).
The move comes after Vitek Vanecek was injured in the Sharks’ 4-3 shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 22-year-old was selected 11th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
In August the Sharks acquired Askarov, along with Nolan Burke and a 2025 third-round pick, from Nashville. In exchange, the Predators received David Edstrom, Magnus Chrona, and a 2025 first-round pick.
In the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) Askarov had an 8-5-2 record over 16 regular-season games. He recorded a 1.48 goals-against average (GAA), a .937 save percentage (SV%), and one shutout.
In the AHL with the Barracuda, Askarov has posted a 1.95 GAA, a .939 SV%, and two shutouts this season.
Impact on the Sharks’ Goalie Situation
Currently, the Sharks roster lists three goalies: newly acquired Askarov, starter Mackenzie Blackwood, and injured Vanecek.
Blackwood has played 11 games for the Sharks, recording a 4-5-2 record, a 3.07 GAA, and .910 SV% with one shutout.
With Vanecek sidelined, Askarov could provide depth alongside Blackwood. Whether Askarov delivers standout performances that position him for a larger role remains to be seen. But Askarov may be a promising backup to Blackwood while the Sharks continue to struggle defensively.
Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky told the media all three goaltenders traveled with the team on their two-game road trip.
Defensive Trends
A quarter into the season, the Sharks’ defensive performance shows notable trends when comparing their first and last 10 games.
Team Teal allowed 38 goals in their first 10 games of the season, averaging 3.8 goals against per game. In their most recent 10, they conceded 34 goals, bringing the average down to 3.4 goals against per game.
Blackwood posted a .902 SV% in his first 10 games, improving to .910 over the last 10 games.
Vanecek recorded a .899 SV% in his first 10 games, increasing to .902 over the last 10 games.
Improved save percentages and goaltending contribute to the team’s defensive progress.
Penalty kill also improved from 75.4 percent in the first 10 games to 78.6 percent in the last 10.
Although the Sharks continue to be consistently outshot, their shots against have also seen minor improvements. Team Teal averages 26 shots on goal per game, while allowing on average 34. But compared to their first 10 games with 32 shots, the Sharks’ average decreased to 30 in their last 10.
Key Players in Defensive Improvements and Stats
Jake Walman leads the Sharks’ defensemen with 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) and 22 blocked shots. Walman also has the highest TOI average at 22:45, followed closely by Cody Ceci with 22:35.
Mario Ferraro’s 39 blocked shots in his last 20 games made him a blocked shot leader. Ferraro has contributed three points, a -8 rating, four penalty minutes, and averaging 20:39 TOI.
Mikael Granlund leads the Sharks with 20 points in 20 games, posting a -3 rating, 10 penalty minutes, and 21:23 TOI. Granlund is on a two-game point streak, with one goal and one assist.
William Eklund continues to impress with 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 19 games, along with a -2 rating and 20:21 TOI. Eklund is on a four-game point streak, with four assists and two goals.
Fabian Zetterlund contributes offensively with 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 20 games, boasting a +7 rating and 17:16 TOI. Zetterlund is also on a four-game point streak, with three assists and one goal.
Veteran Tyler Toffoli has 15 points, including nine goals and six assists, through 20 games, despite a -7 rating and 17:08 TOI.
Rookie Macklin Celebrini has five points (four goals, one assist) in eight games, with a -1 rating and averaging 19:17 TOI. The 18-year-old center got his first overtime NHL goal in Monday’s 5-4 win against the Detroit Red Wings.
While finding his footing, rookie Will Smith has six points (two goals, four assists) with a -10 rating.
The Sharks conclude their road trip against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.
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