San Jose Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov has had an incredible month of November in goal.
The 23-year-old Sharks goalie has started seven of the team’s 10 games this month. His numbers are off the charts good. Askarov has a record of 6-1-0, a 1.53 goals-against average, and a .952 save percentage.
According to MoneyPuck.com, among goalies who have started at least 13 games this season, Askarov ranks 10th in goals saved above expected at 7.6.
While a slow start to the season could’ve derailed the young San Jose Sharks goalie, his day-to-day focus has helped him remain confident.
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“It’s hard to say [if this is the most confident I’ve ever been]. I’m trying to keep focused, day by day,” Askarov exclusively told SHD on Friday. “We have coaches telling us that information. Just focus on today. Do your job today and don’t think about what’s going to happen in two weeks. Don’t think about the future.”
That mindset has allowed the Sharks’ goalie to stay humble and grounded, whether he’s playing well or poorly.
The Sharks were never worried about Askarov’s struggles to start the season, and have proven that they were right. Askarov won’t start for the Sharks on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators, but he will start against the Boston Bruins on Sunday.
Alex Nedeljkovic will start for the first time since Nov. 15 against the Seattle Kraken.
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“[Our plan] changes based on performance. But we probably have a monthly plan,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “It changes with performance, how guys are feeling, where they’re at, with workload management, and all the data that we get with it. We have a pretty good plan for the month.”
The other part of Askarov’s game this year that is different is his health. The San Jose Sharks goalie has had his fair share of injuries in his young career, but not yet this season.
“When you are healthy, that’s great. Hopefully, it will be like that for as long as possible,” Askarov said as he knocked on the wooden bench he was sitting on. “When you are injured, you are working harder because you want to get back as quickly as possible. That’s tough, and you’re not with the team. You’re separate. It’s a fun time to be healthy, and it’s fun when we’re winning.”
Askarov hasn’t stopped having fun this season, and as the SAP Center has gotten louder, the more he’s fed off of the energy.
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“That’s the best. I loved it,” Askarov said about Sharks fans during their victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
The netminder then asked SHD to clarify what fans were chanting during the game. SHD informed Askarov that Sharks fans were screaming, “Beat LA.” He thought the fans were chanting “we’re so back,” which could also be true of his team.
“That’s perfect. That’s different [and] the boys are feeling that,” Askarov said. “I was smiling after goals, after the game, and that’s the best, that’s great emotions.”
The Sharks will look to go a season-high three games over NHL .500 during Saturday’s game against Ottawa.
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