Sharks’ Askarov Struggles as Team Falls to 6-3 Defeat

The San Jose Sharks suffered a disappointing 6-3 defeat against the Utah Mammoth on October 27, 2023, extending their winless streak to four games at the start of the NHL season. Yaroslav Askarov, the Sharks’ promising goaltender, faced significant challenges as his teammates struggled to maintain effective play throughout the match.

Askarov’s performance was marked by a critical second-period error that allowed Liam O’Brien to score a game-changing goal, putting the Mammoth ahead 3-2. Despite his 28 saves, Askarov could not compensate for the overall disarray in the Sharks’ defense, which has now allowed an alarming average of 5.50 goals per game, the worst in the league.

Sharks Coach Ryan Warsofsky noted the team’s inability to convert energy into effective play. “In the dressing room, we were saying the right things, but we have to start doing the right things,” he stated. The Sharks fell behind 2-0 after two first-period goals from Nick Schmaltz, yet managed to equalize with a power-play goal from Tyler Toffoli and an even-strength goal from Jeff Skinner in the second period.

However, the momentum was short-lived. Askarov mishandled the puck behind the net later in the second period, allowing O’Brien to capitalize and regain the lead for Utah at the 16:09 mark. This misstep exemplified the challenges Askarov faces in his first full NHL season, where he has recorded an 0.833 save percentage after stopping 65 of 78 shots in two appearances.

The Sharks’ defensive lapses continued into the third period. A turnover from recent waiver claim Vincent Iorio to defense partner Mario Ferraro led to another goal by Mammoth forward Michael Carcone, extending Utah’s lead to 5-2. Ferraro acknowledged the need for better communication among the players, emphasizing the importance of playing a cohesive game.

As the team prepares for their next match against the Pittsburgh Penguins, General Manager Mike Grier faces pressure to bolster the roster. Acquiring a top-pair defenseman could be critical to supporting Askarov’s development and improving the team’s overall performance. The Sharks are deep in prospect forwards, which may provide opportunities for strategic trades to strengthen their defensive lineup.

As the Sharks seek to turn around their season, the focus will not only be on Askarov’s growth as a number one goaltender but also on the collective responsibility of the team to improve their defensive play and support their young star.