Askarov Keeps Horvat at Bay as Sharks Snap Their Skid
San Jose finally got one, edging the New York Islanders 3-2 to end a five-game losing run. The Sharks had more of the puck and the better chances all night, yet it took a sharp night from Yaroslav Askarov to make it stick.
San Jose outshot New York 39-32 and took 54.8% of all shot attempts (every puck sent toward the net). Ilya Sorokin made 37 saves to keep New York close, and the Sharks rang two off the post: one from Sam Dickinson, one from Will Smith.
At the other end, Bo Horvat fired seven shots and carried the Islanders' most dangerous looks, while Victor Eklund scored. Askarov stopped 30 of 32, including 14 of 15 high-danger shots, finishing +1.46 goals saved above expected, meaning he allowed about a goal and a half fewer than an average goalie would have on those shots.
Ivar Stenberg and Tyler Toffoli, on a line together with Ty Dellandrea, both scored, with Toffoli adding an assist. For a 7-11-1 club sixth in the Pacific, it was a needed breather.
