Sharks’ Nedeljkovic Returns Against Kraken

The San Jose Sharks dodged a bullet as goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic will start against the Seattle Kraken after missing one game due to personal reasons.

According to Sheng Peng of SJHN, Nedeljkovic stated that there is nothing to worry about regarding his absence.

“Just a little something went on back home. Had to go back home, take care of the family,” Nedeljkovic said, declining to share specifics, but emphasizing, “Everything’s all right.”

Nedeljkovic and his partner, Yaroslav Askarov, have been stellar for the Sharks as of late. Both goalies are sporting over a .900 save percentage in the season. Through the Sharks’ last eight games, the team sports a record of 6-1-1 and a team save percentage of .955.

Nedeljkovic has started three of the past games, going 2-0-1 and making 91 saves on 96 shots. For the season, Nedeljkovic has provided a young San Jose Sharks roster with steady play and a chance to win.

If the Sharks were to lose Nedeljkovic for an extended period of time, a lot would be put on a 23-year-old Askarov to carry a team that all of a sudden has some playoff aspirations. Jakub Skarek was recalled from the San Jose Barracuda to back up Askarov against the Calgary Flames, but has since been sent back to the AHL.

The Sharks recently lost Jeff Skinner to a lower-body injury suffered in Thursday’s loss to the Flames. Top prospect Michael Misa is still out with his own LBI and was deemed week-to-week.

Puck drop for the Sharks is at 7 p.m. PT in Seattle to complete a three-game road trip. The last time the Sharks faced Seattle, they won 6-1, giving the Kraken its first regulation loss on home ice.

For all the coverage on the Sharks this season, read on Hockey Hot Stove and Sharks Hockey Digest.