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San Jose wrapped up the 2025-26 campaign with 86 points, landing fifth in the Pacific Division—their best finish since the 2018-19 season. That progress had many believing the Sharks were poised for a playoff berth in 2026-27, but the team's goaltending has emerged as a glaring question mark, leaving fans to wonder if the crease is holding them back.
The Sharks acquired young netminder Yaroslav Askarov prior to the 2024-25 season, selecting him 11th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators. During his time in Nashville, Askarov spent the bulk of his tenure in the AHL but flashed considerable promise, posting back-to-back seasons with a .911 save percentage. San Jose opted to give him another year of development, and in the AHL during 2024-25, he recorded a 2.45 goals-against average and a .923 SV%, reinforcing his potential.
The organization also brought in Alex Nedeljkovic, a steady veteran who had amassed a 3.00 GAA and .903 SV% from 2016 to 2025. While not spectacular, Nedeljkovic filled the backup role adequately. San Jose entered 2025-26 with Askarov as the starter and Nedeljkovic in relief, but the results were mixed: Askarov finished his first full year as a starter with a 3.63 GAA and .884 SV%, while Nedeljkovic posted a 2.87 GAA and .896 SV%. The Sharks ranked 30th in goals allowed, a troubling statistic despite their overall improvement.
However, the blame cannot be placed solely on the goaltenders. San Jose allowed 2,431 shots, ranking 27th in the NHL, and surrendered 291 high-danger shots against (21st per Moneypuck). Their 5-on-5 expected goals against (xGA) stood at 181.7, compared to the league average of 173.8, indicating that defensive breakdowns contributed significantly to the high goals-against total. Given this context, it may be unfair to attribute the team's shortcomings exclusively to goaltending.
Key Analysis
A deeper dive into advanced metrics reveals a stark contrast between the two netminders. Askarov finished 2025-26 with a -16.9 GSAA and a .426 QS%, meaning he allowed roughly 17 more goals than an average NHL goaltender would have and delivered quality starts in only 42.6% of his appearances. Nedeljkovic, on the other hand, posted a .6 GSAA and a .618 QS%, outperforming Askarov and recording quality starts in 61.8% of his outings—his best statistical season since 2019-20 with the Carolina Hurricanes. While Askarov's development curve is far from complete, his inconsistency has prevented San Jose from gaining an edge in net.
As the 2026-27 season progresses, the Sharks are allowing 29.9 shots per game (29th in the NHL) and 3.2 goals per game (19th). Askarov has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent, with a .901 SV%, 2.92 GAA, 3.2 GSAA, and .500 QS% through seven games. Nedeljkovic has yet to improve, posting a .899 SV%, 3.09 GAA, 1.6 GSAA, and .500 QS%. Neither goaltender has established sustained consistency, leaving San Jose without a dependable option between the pipes.
Ultimately, the Sharks have grappled with both goaltending and defensive deficiencies. Askarov still has time to develop, but if San Jose hopes to make a playoff push, they must find more consistency in goal. Nedeljkovic has yet to prove himself as a reliable starter, and fans are left wondering whether the solution lies in acquiring a steadier netminder while giving Askarov more time to mature, or in further reinforcing the defensive corps. Only time will tell which path the organization chooses.
Originally reported by yahoo.