Askarov Outduels Vasilevskiy, Sharks Win 2-1.

The San Jose Sharks beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 snapping their 8-game losing streak in a duel between the Sharks rookie Yaroslav Askarov and his hero, two-time Stanley Cup champion Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Facing off in net were the two highest drafted Russian goalies in NHL history. Askarov, No. 1 on the list being drafted 11th overall in 2020 to the Nashville Predators, beat the former No.1 who went 19th overall in 2012.

While 2024 ended on a sour note getting shut out 4-0 to the Philadelphia Flyers, 2025 started sweet as the Sharks had much more bite and better goaltending against the Lightning in their first game of the new year. 

It was apparent the Sharks smelled blood in the water and were ready to compete in the first period. 

Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith were routinely setting each other up for scoring chances, the Sharks were hitting, and Askarov was all over the place refusing to let the Lightning light the lamp.

The Sharks initiated the scoring nearly 14 minutes into the period as Marc-Édouard Vlasic recorded a primary assist in his first game of the season by dishing the puck to Tyler Toffoli, who had Anthony Cirelli in the timeout corner facing away from him on a toe drag before beating Vasilevskiy glove side.

In the second period, this time around 13 minutes in, Mario Ferraro tried passing to a teammate before the puck bounced back right on his tape in the slot, allowing him to snipe the corner glove side again to put the Sharks up 2-0. 

At 14:19 of the second, Jake Guentzel was penalized for hooking. San Jose appeared poised to seize control of the game, but after a lackluster power play, the Lightning took advantage swinging momentum back on their side. Cirelli deflected Erik Cernak’s shot from the point past Askarov.

Once again late in the game, the Sharks took their foot off the gas losing focus, which let the other team take advantage. Going into the third, outshooting Tampa Bay 21-14 was a positive outcome that should make Ryan Warsofsky smile when he looks back on the tape.

I don't know what it is with San Jose in the third period. I would offer the Sharks some coffee to wake them up, but they keep showing they can't close. Thankfully for Warsofsky and the Sharks, if the skaters can't finish a game, at least the goalie can.

Askarov simply wouldn’t let the Sharks lose tonight. 11 of Askarov’s 24 saves came in the third period where the Lightning looked most dangerous. 

Askarov was fantastic, stopping 24 of 25 shots and improving upon his already impressive 2.62 GAA and .915 SV% coming into the game. His athleticism was on display with each acrobatic save he added to his highlight reel.

His achilles heel early in his NHL career is handling the puck which has been an adventure thus far, but despite almost getting scored against on a couple of miscues, Askarov’s confidence never wavered. 

A young goalie who makes a glaring mistake and responds by showing the same level of confidence after the face as he did beforehand gives Sharks fans a glimpse into a mind that should excite the fanbase. 

The Sharks have been deemed “appointment television” by Spittin’ Chiclets this year, mostly to Celebrini’s nightly spectacle, but any night Askarov is in net reinforces that sentiment.

The Sharks will look to start a win streak Saturday, January 4 when the New Jersey Devils come to SAP Center.