Yaroslav Askarov will make his second straight start for the San Jose Sharks against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, but there are changes.
Per Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky, two lineup changes will be made from the last game against the Calgary Flames on Thursday. Pavol Regenda will take the 4th-line right wing spot, and Ryan Reaves will sit. Regenda could also feature on the San Jose Sharks’ second power-play unit, but we won’t know until gametime.
In a bit of a surprise, defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin will play after he missed Friday’s practice due to personal reasons. Timothy Liljegren will come out of the lineup.
“Just play solid hockey, defend with some urgency and some jam, Warsofsky said about what he wants from Mukhamadullin. “Puck play is critical for a guy that can help us move pucks out of the back end.”
Mukahamdullin is frustrated with his season, both with his health and with his playing time when he’s in the lineup. Saturday afternoon’s game is a big chance for the 24-year-old to start making a bigger impact.
He’ll play on the ‘second-pair’ of defense with Mario Ferraro. The San Jose Sharks will have Mukhamadullin on his off-side, as a lefty will play the right side, which is something he’s familiar with.