Opinion: It Should Be Ned's Net Moving Forward

The San Jose Sharks gave up a lot to bring Yaroslav Askarov into the organization, hoping that he'll develop into a true number one goaltender at the NHL level. While that's certainly still a possibility in the future, it seems clear that he's not ready for that role at this point in time. While he makes some incredible saves, it's the low-danger chances that ultimately squeak past him and put the Sharks in a bad spot. Meanwhile, in a very limited sample size, Alex Nedeljkovic has been phenomenal for the Sharks and, in this journalist's opinion, has earned the right to get a bigger opportunity. 

Against the Nashville Predators, Nedeljkovic was a key part of the reason that the Sharks were able to walk away with two points. He saved 32 of the 34 shots that he faced, making some big saves in the process. In his only other appearance against the St. Louis Blues, he was able to make 24 saves on 26 shots against as well. Most importantly, although both games Nedeljkovic have played have gone into overtime, he's 2-0-0 to start the season.

Askarov on the other hand has higher long-term potential, but has given up a minimum of three goals in each outing and conceded five goals on two occasions. With that being said, Nedeljkovic's starts have both come after a terrible team performance which likely brought increased intensity into the players in front of him. On the other side of things, Askarov has often been the victim of the aforementioned poor team performances which haven't done him any favors. With that being said, it doesn't excuse his poor play.

Nedeljkovic isn't perfect, of course, he's had his own struggles with inconsistency over the years, but with that being said, now that the Sharks are looking to compete for a playoff spot rather than continue rebuilding, it's time to start putting the hot hand between the pipes on a nightly basis. Later on in the season, we may see Askarov reach a higher level of play and earn more starts himself, but for the time being, it seems clear that Nedeljkovic gives the Sharks a better opportunity to win on a nightly basis.